Transcript Aphasia Intensive Communication Group

Intensive Communication Group
for People with aphasia (ICGA)
Research Project at QMU
Motivation:
Need for more practised based learning
opportunities for SLT students with adult
clients with acquired neurological
conditions.
Funding: The Headley Trust
Background: 2012 Scoping
Consultation:
Scottish Health Boards
Voluntary Sector: Chest, Heart and Stroke,
The Stroke Association, Speakability
HEIs, National and International – good
evidence of effectiveness
No Intensive Group Experience available in
Scotland
Background: 2013 Pilot Run
11 People with Aphasia + communication
partners referred by SLT services in
Borders, Forth Valley, Lothian
Therapy Team:
2 Highly Experienced SLT Leads
1 Art and 1 Music Therapist
1Physiotherapist
8 SLT Student placements, 1 internship
The Programme
• Introductory Day
• 5 Therapy Days for people with Aphasia
• Communication Partners attended on 2
days
• An evaluation and dissemination of
results morning
The Programme
QMU as a venue:
• multiple opportunities for
communication throughout the day
• QMU staff involved – security,
reception, catering, AHP professionals
• Large/small group sessions; 1:1
• IT support, students
The Programme
Workshops:
• Aphasia and impact on family
• What makes a good communicator
• Practical session with other PWAs
• Sharing ideas – apps, software (react2),
hardware
• Exercise after stroke
Quotes from clients
Gives an
opportunity to speak
– would come back
tomorrow!
Enjoyed being
“buddy” with a
new person
with aphasia
(CP)
I talked and
the words
were coming
out.
Now that I have
communicated with
others in the group, I
am very confident.
(CP)
Liberating – nice
to know I am not
in this space
alone
The pictures and
the students
helped the words
come out easier.
Quotes from Students
……allowed us to work
independently and also as
a team and provided us
with the opportunity to do
group work which students
don’t often have the
chance to do
Also provided us with the
opportunity to work with
other health professionals
and communication
partners
It turned out to be a
wonderful placement
[we saw] the clients
interacting in everyday
situations e.g. ordering lunch
I was hesitant at first that I wouldn’t get
(Student)
enough
client contact on this
placement as the actual program only
ran for 5 ½ days. However, because
there were 11 clients on the program
and I was engaging them individually
and as a group, I feel I received a
substantial amount of client contact
Future plans
• Funding for 2014 and towards 2015
and 2016
• Annual summer group → sustainable?
• SLT +Art and Music placements →
other AHPs?
• Disseminate model
• Other client groups?
More information?
• Executive summary and full report
including outcomes for all participants
including students
• http://www.qmu.ac.uk/icga/