Methodological issues in the design and evaluation of supported communication for aphasia training: a cluster-controlled feasibility study

Horton, Simon, Clark, Allan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2965-8941, Barton, Garry, Lane, Kathleen and Pomeroy, Valerie M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4487-823X (2016) Methodological issues in the design and evaluation of supported communication for aphasia training: a cluster-controlled feasibility study. BMJ Open, 6 (4). ISSN 2044-6055

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Abstract

Objective: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of training stroke service staff to provide supported communication for people with moderate-severe aphasia in the acute phase; assess the suitability of outcome measures; collect data to inform sample size and Health Economic evaluation in a definitive trial. Design: Phase II cluster-controlled, observer-blinded feasibility study Settings: In-patient stroke rehabilitation units in the UK matched for bed numbers and staffing were assigned to control and intervention conditions. Participants: Seventy stroke rehabilitation staff from all professional groups, excluding doctors, were recruited. Twenty patients with moderate-severe aphasia were recruited. Intervention: Supported communication for aphasia training, adapted to the stroke unit context vs usual care. Training was supplemented by a staff learning log, refresher sessions and provision of communication resources. Main outcome measures: Feasibility of recruitment and acceptability of the intervention and of measures required to assess outcomes and Health Economic evaluation in a definitive trial. Staff outcomes: Measure of Support in Conversation; patient outcomes: Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale; Communicative Access Measure for Stroke; Therapy Outcome Measures for aphasia; EQ-5D-3L was used to assess health outcomes. Results: Feasibility of staff recruitment was demonstrated. Training in the intervention was carried out with 28 staff and was found to be acceptable in qualitative reports. Twenty patients consented to take part, 6 withdrew. Eighteen underwent all measures at baseline; 16 at discharge; and 14 at 6-month follow-up. Of 175 patients screened 71% were deemed to be ineligible, either lacking capacity or too unwell to participate. Poor completion rates impacted on assessment of patient outcomes. We were able to collect sufficient data at baseline, discharge and follow-up for economic evaluation. Conclusions: The feasibility study informed components of the intervention and implementation in day-to-day practice. Modifications to the design are needed before a definitive cluster-randomised trial can be undertaken.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: stroke rehabilitation,aphasia,communication partner training,feasibility study,he evaluation
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Health Sciences
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Norwich Clinical Trials Unit
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Services and Primary Care
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Rehabilitation
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023)
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Economics
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Dementia & Complexity in Later Life
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Promotion
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Population Health
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 21 Jun 2016 12:04
Last Modified: 19 Oct 2023 01:40
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/59426
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011207

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