A Scoping Review of the Working Alliance in Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation
Disability & Rehabilitation
Stagg, K., Douglas, J., et al. (2019).
Disability & Rehabilitation, 41(4), 489-497.
<div>This scoping review investigates the working alliance of clients and therapists during rehabilitation for acquired brain injury (ABI). This summary highlights client perspectives within the scope of speech-language pathology.</div>
<div>Studies investigating the working alliance between clients with ABI and clinicians on their rehabilitation team, including speech-language pathologists, reported mixed outcomes for employment and successful return to work or school. Clients with ABI who reported more positive working relationships or an emotional bond with their clinician:</div>
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<ul>
<li>demonstrated greater independence with and positive feelings towards cognitive tasks;</li>
<li>reduced somatic and communication problems;</li>
<li>improved social interactions and personal independence; and</li>
<li>demonstrated greater awareness of their strengths, problems, and implications of their injury across settings.</li>
</ul>
<div>The authors conclude that the complexity of the working alliance impacts the success of ABI rehabilitation. A limitation of this review is the possible exclusion of relevant studies. Additional research is needed to further investigate client and therapist perspectives on ABI rehabilitation.</div>
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