The Top Ten: Best Practice Recommendations for Aphasia
Aphasiology
Simmons-Mackie, N., Worrall, L., et al. (2017).
Aphasiology, 31(2), 131-151.
This is a guideline from the Aphasia United Working Group providing multi-national, evidence-informed, consensus-based recommendations on the management of individuals with aphasia. Recommendations include screening, assessment, intervention and discharge.
Aphasia United
<ul>
<li>"People with aphasia should receive information regarding aphasia, aetiologies of aphasia (e.g., stroke) and options for treatment. This applies throughout all stages of healthcare from acute to chronic stages" (Levels A–C Recommendation; p. 150).</li>
<li>"Information intended for use by people with aphasia should be available in aphasia-friendly/communicatively accessible formats" (Level C Recommendation; p. 151).</li>
<li>"All health and social care providers working with people with aphasia across the continuum of care (i.e., acute care to end-of-life) should be educated about aphasia and trained to support communication in aphasia" (Level C Recommendation; p. 151).</li>
</ul>
"No one with aphasia should be discharged from services without some means of communicating his or her needs and wishes (e.g., using AAC, supports, trained partners) or a documented plan for how and when this will be achieved" (Good Practice Point. p. 150).
"Services for people with aphasia should be culturally appropriate and personally relevant" (Good Practice Point; p. 151).
<ul>
<li>"Communication partner training should be provided to improve communication of the person with aphasia" (Level A, B Recommendation; p. 151). </li>
<li>Families or caregivers should receive education and support, be included in the rehabilitation process, and should learn to communicate with the person with aphasia (Level A-C Recommendation).</li>
<li>People with aphasia should be offered intensive and individualized aphasia therapy by a qualified professional designed to have a meaningful impact on communication and life (Level A-GPP depending on approach, intensity, timing). Intervention may include:
<ul>
<li>impairment-oriented, compensatory, conversation, or functional/participation therapy; </li>
<li>communication supports or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); or </li>
<li>individual therapy, group therapy, telerehabilitation and/or computer-based treatment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
"All patients with brain damage or progressive brain disease should be screened for communication deficits" (Level C Recommendation; p. 150).
"People with suspected communication deficits should be assessed by a qualified professional (determined by country); Assessment should extend beyond the use of screening measures to determine the nature, severity and personal consequences of the suspected communication deficit" (Level B,C Recommendation; p. 150).
