Participant reported outcomes of a community of practice about social participation for speech-language pathologists in aphasia rehabilitation

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards aphasia among healthcare workers in Anhui, China: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

The information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to aphasia among Chinese healthcare workers is scarce. This study aimed to assess the KAP related to aphasia among Chinese healthcare workers, and to identify associated sociodemographic factors.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to tertiary hospitals in Anhui Province, China. Data were collected from April to July 2023 from a total of 119 full-time healthcare workers-comprising doctors, nurses, and therapists-in neurology, rehabilitation, and other aphasia-related departments. KAP scores were the primary metrics, with frequencies and proportions calculated. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests (P <.05) were employed to examine associations between KAP scores and sociodemographic variables.

RESULTS

Participants generally displayed adequate knowledge (mean score: 6.94 ± 0.76), positive attitudes (56.05 ± 6.82), and acceptable practices (13.79 ± 4.60) towards aphasia. Notable gaps were identified in specialized training, personalized treatment strategies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Sociodemographic factors, such as education, gender, and occupation, were found to correlate with attitudes and practices but not with knowledge. Specifically, males, individuals in rehabilitation departments, and those with doctoral degrees had better KAP scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This inaugural KAP survey on aphasia in China illuminates both the strengths and weaknesses in the current state of aphasia care. Future interventions should focus on targeted strategies that take into account both sociodemographic factors and the gaps identified to optimize aphasia management in China.

Current practices in the nutrition management of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a survey of U.S. ALS care teams

OBJECTIVE

To assess current practices of U.S. professionals providing outpatient ALS nutrition care.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey assessing nutrition care practices was distributed in February/March 2023 through electronic mailing lists of relevant professional organizations.

RESULTS

Of the 87 professionals completing the survey, 85.1% were registered dietitians and 50.6% had five or fewer years of experience in ALS care. Many (44.2%) professionals reported receiving no training on the nutrition care of people with ALS (PALS), and 40.2% reported having no other ALS dietitians in their close network. Methods utilized to estimate calorie and protein requirements in PALS varied widely. Although 95.4% of respondents reported that their clinic's dietitian participates in feeding tube discussions, many practitioners may be waiting until ALS symptoms negatively impact PALS' breathing, eating, swallowing, or weight to begin discussing feeding tubes. Additionally, few professionals reported institutional practices conducive for refeeding syndrome prevention or monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

Many professionals providing outpatient nutrition care to PALS possess limited experience, received insufficient training, and are not connected to other ALS dietitians. Specific nutrition care practices, including nutrient need estimation, vary widely among health professionals. Practices surrounding feeding tube discussions and refeeding syndrome may be suboptimal at many institutions. These findings highlight the need for initiatives that educate and connect practitioners providing nutrition care to PALS.

Speech-Language Pathologists' Practice Patterns When Designing Home Practice Programs for Persons With Aphasia: A Survey

Purpose We aimed to describe the current practices of speech-language pathologists regarding the creation and implementation of home practice programs for persons with poststroke aphasia. Method Survey participants were American Speech-Language-Hearing Association-certified speech-language pathologists, had 30% of their caseload include persons with aphasia, and had recently created at least two home programs for persons with aphasia. Respondents completed a web-based survey on home program creation, training, technology, and methods for tracking adherence with closed and open-ended questions. Results We analyzed 80 complete surveys. Most of the participants (n = 56) created home programs for greater than 75% of their caseload. Common interventions in home programs addressed functional practice and spoken expression. Participants describe instructional techniques including building skill practice in daily routines and guided practice. Applications of technology and formal mechanisms to monitor adherence were less frequently reported. Various factors were identified as facilitators and barriers to home program creation with environmental support from others and client factors (i.e., motivation, impairments) most evident. Conclusions This study provides insight into speech-language pathologists' home program creation and implementation. Results can be used to consider mechanisms to improve use of and adherence to home programs to further support recovery. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16840204.

Perspectives of working-age adults with aphasia regarding social participation

Background

Working-age adults with aphasia experience difficulties in social participation, specifically fulfilling social roles and reintegrating into communities. Literature regarding social participation of people with aphasia (PWA) is predominantly based on studies conducted in high-income countries (HIC), limiting generalisability of findings. Perspectives of social participation are influenced by person, place and cultural background warranting investigation in heterogeneous low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), like South Africa.

Objectives

Describe perspectives of working-age adults with aphasia regarding social participation within the first 2 years post-incident.

Method

Semi-structured interviews gained perspectives of 10 working-age adults (with mild to moderate aphasia) using principles of supported conversation for adults with aphasia. Data were thematically analysed to describe participants' perspectives of social participation.

Results

Seven themes were identified pertaining to participants' perspectives of social participation. Participants considered rehabilitation services, faith-related activities and returning to work as valued areas of social participation. Previous interests, presence of support and characteristics of communication partners determined their preference and willingness to participate with others. Finally, personal attitudes and feelings continued to influence their perspectives of social participation, as well as their motivation to participate.

Conclusion

Successful social participation was dependent on the PWA's perceived value of social activities and presence of support from significant others. Speech-language therapists are in the ideal position to facilitate PWA's communication abilities and their experience of successful participation through the implementation of person-centered care and community-led intervention. This study provided a preliminary investigation of social participation in South Africa and further investigation is warranted.