Paid Worker and Unfamiliar Partner Communication Training: A Scoping Review
Journal of Communication Disorders
Tessier, A., Power, E., et al. (2020).
Journal of Communication Disorders, 83, Article 105951.
This systematic review investigates the impact of communication partner training (CPT) on unfamiliar communication partners and people with communication disorders (PWCD) secondary to acquired neurologic conditions such as aphasia, dementia, traumatic brain injury (TBI).
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Peer-reviewed articles, excluding reviews
70
<div>Findings demonstrated that disorder-specific CPT resulted in paid workers and unfamiliar communication partners increasing: their knowledge and acknowledgement of the communication abilities of PWCD, their confidence during interactions, and their use of strategies to communicate. Positive emotional impacts in at least one measure (e.g., reduced stress or caregiver strain and improved communication satisfaction) were additionally noted. Trainees included healthcare workers, healthcare students, or volunteers working with PWCD secondary to aquired brain injury (ABI), TBI, stroke, or dementia.</div>
<div>Findings demonstrated that disorder-specific CPT with unfamiliar staff or volunteers was associated with positive emotional impacts (e.g., reduced depression and increased quality of life) for PWCD. For individuals with aphasia, increased participation, and positive changes in communication (e.g., increased number of comprehensible statements) were noted, however these changes were not observed for individuals with TBI.</div>
<div>Limited research was found regarding community-based CPT programs for unfamiliar communication partners. Two studies included within this review explored community-based CPT with individuals with TBI, with training performed with non-healthcare workers (e.g., sales associates and police officers). The effects of CPT on police officers were generally positive, with observed changes in communication abilities of the trainees. No positive effect of CPT on communication knowledge or abilities for sales associates was noted, despite the trainees reporting increased confidence in working with individuals with TBI. No studies investigated community-based CPT training in individuals with aphasia or dementia.</div>
<div>For broad CPT programs (i.e., programs designed to target a variety of communication disorders), positive outcomes were noted in communication partner knowledge of communication disorders and strategies, confidence in communication with PWCD, and reported and observed communication abilities. Mixed results were noted regarding the emotional impacts of broad CPT training on trainees, and no significant change in depression or quality of life of the communication partners was noted. Trainees included healthcare workers, healthcare students, or volunteers working with PWCD secondary to ABI, TBI, stroke, or dementia.</div>
