Poster The Joint Annual Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australasia (SSA) and Smartstrokes 2023

"We got there in the end.....somehow, we got there": A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Professionals providing care in the Community to People with Chronic Aphasia, and how Technology could assist. (#222)

Kylie A Casey 1 2 , Robyn O'Halloran 3 , Maayken van den Berg 1 , Miranda Rose 3 4
  1. College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
  2. Belmont Community Rehabilitation, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
  3. School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, Latrobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
  4. Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Latrobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

Abstract:

Background: Little is known about the experience of health care professionals (HCPs) in the community providing ongoing healthcare to people with aphasia.

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of HCPs in healthcare conversations with people with aphasia in the community, and whether a high-tech, purpose-built aphasia app could assist.

Methods: A generic qualitative study was conducted. HCPs from seven different clinical backgrounds were interviewed and data were thematically analysed.

Results: HCPs from seven different professions participated in interviews. Six major themes were identified: (1) Healthcare communication topics; (2) HCP knowledge; (3) What communication happens in the interaction; (4) Communication impacts on care; (5) Interactions and relationships grew easier over time; and (6) How technology could help the interaction.

Conclusions: HCPs with more knowledge about aphasia reported having more positive experiences. Unsuccessful interactions were believed to lead to negative emotional responses in people with aphasia and HCPs, and that miscommunications could lead to compromised care. HCPs reported that interactions and relationships with people with aphasia grew easier over time. HCPs need system level support to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to engage people with aphasia in effective healthcare conversations.  Technology has the potential to improve interactions.