Mr David Harrison1, Ms Monique Bertolini1
1Fiona Stanley Hospital, South Metro Health, Perth, Robin Warren Drive, Murdoch 6150
Biography:
David Harrison: Senior Speech Pathologist in the Western Australian State Rehabilitation Service at Fiona Stanley Hospital. Graduated from Curtin University in 1991. David has been working in adult rehabilitation for at least 26yrs with locum experiences in the UK acute services 5 yrs. Area of interests are Aphasia and Apraxia of Speech.
Monique Bertolini: Senior Speech Pathologist in the Western Australian State Rehabilitation Service at Fiona Stanley Hospital. Monique has been working in the State Rehabilitation Service for 3 years. Prior to this, she was working with adult NDIS participants with neurological conditions. Area of interest is language, primarily Aphasia.
Abstract:
Background:
Communication partner training (CPT) is a stroke clinical guideline that improves the skills of communication partners when interacting with people with aphasia. Research strongly supports CPT but clinicians face challenges with implementation, including limited access to resources. In 2024, the Western Australian State Rehabilitation Service developed CPT for communication partners of people with aphasia. The program includes two face-to-face sessions and was run four times.
Methods:
A qualitative study was conducted in 2024 to evaluate key stakeholders' perceptions of the program. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with nine communication partners on their perceptions of the training. In addition, a one-hour focus group with seven speech pathologists was held one month after the workshops on the same, including benefits and challenges. This was analysed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Four key themes were identified: 1) package content, 2) flexible logistics, 3) creating a safe space, and 4) everyone is a communication partner. Content was reported valuable, highlighting benefit in the practical component. Ensuring flexibility in how the training is provided (e.g., face to face vs online) and time of day. Participants highlighted benefit of sharing experience and discussed the need for diversifying the training to include other hospital staff and visitors.
Discussion:
CPT was feasible and beneficial to key stakeholders. Future implementation should focus on sustainability of the program including frequency of delivery and accessibility. The study highlighted the need to expand training, identifying an appetite within the broader health organisation to extend this to nursing, allied health and medical staff.