Aphasia in Neurology Practice: A Survey about Perceptions and Practices

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.

Meta-synthesis of family communication patterns during post-stroke vascular aphasia: Evidence to guide practice

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have predominantly focused on the needs of persons with aphasia (PWA), after a stroke diagnosis. However, aphasia is found to cause communication challenges in persons with stroke and their family caregivers as a unit. Evidence is inconclusive about the communication patterns of both persons with aphasia and their family caregivers after a stroke. Studies have not been synthesized on facilitators and barriers of communication patterns between PWA and family caregivers after a stroke.

AIMS

A meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence was conducted to explore family communication patterns after post-stroke vascular aphasia.

METHODS

An electronic literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsyINFO, and Scopus was performed from January to March 2021. The methods of qualitative meta-synthesis were underpinned by Sandelowski and Barosso's guidelines. Data analysis was facilitated by Braun and Clarke thematic analysis, using NVivo 11 software.

RESULTS

A total of twenty studies were included for meta-synthesis. Three themes with corresponding subthemes were identified: (1) changes in family communication patterns (subthemes: adapting to the changes in PWA after a stroke, striving toward communication recovery); (2) facilitators of family communication patterns (subthemes: supportive communication techniques, hope of recovery, time to re-adjust, and community engagement [recreational activities]); and (3) barriers of communication (subthemes: emotional turmoil and daunting tasks of rehabilitation).

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Although persons with aphasia and family caregivers are striving to achieve normalcy in communication, they are often challenged by communication deficits and protective family behaviors. Therefore, to establish effective communication, it is of paramount importance for nursing professionals to educate PWAs and their caregivers on facilitators and barriers of family communication patterns. Technology-based family communication facilitation and support groups for PWA and their family caregivers are recommended to promote family communication. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021235519).