Experiences of Participating in Group-Based Rehabilitation Programmes: A Qualitative Study of Community-Dwelling Adults with Post-Stroke Aphasia

Autor/inn/en	Lo, Suzanne Hoi Shan; Chau, Janita Pak Chun
Titel	Experiences of Participating in Group-Based Rehabilitation Programmes: A Qualitative Study of Community-Dwelling Adults with Post-Stroke Aphasia
Quelle	In: International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 58 (2023) 4, S.1082-1097 (16 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1368-2822
DOI	10.1111/1460-6984.12845
Schlagwörter	Neurological Impairments; Aphasia; Rehabilitation; Group Therapy; Older Adults; Program Effectiveness; Attitudes; Interaction; Barriers; Verbal Communication; Affordances + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Neurodegenerative Erkrankung; Expressive Aphasie; Aphasie; Älterer Erwachsener; Attitude; Einstellung; Verhalten; Interaktion
Abstract	Background: People with post-stroke aphasia tend to have smaller social networks, a higher risk of depression and poorer health-related quality of life than those who do not have aphasia after stroke. Stroke-specific or general rehabilitation programmes offered by community-based organizations are commonly group-based and involve discussions among group members with or without stroke. Research has shown that people with post-stroke aphasia may be unable to participate fully in verbal sharing of experiences and exchange of thoughts. Aims: To explore the experiences of people with post-stroke aphasia in relation to participating in group-based rehabilitation programmes organized by community-based organizations. Methods & Procedures: A qualitative design was adopted, including individual, semi-structured interviews with 20 adults with post-stroke aphasia recruited from community-based rehabilitation centres and support groups. The participants had a mean age of 68.86 ± 13.54 years and a mean post-stroke duration of 9.24 ± 7.72 years. They had participated in at least one group-based rehabilitation programme organized by community-based organizations in the past year. The participants were asked about their experiences of attending group-based programme(s), thoughts and feelings while interacting with the facilitators and group members, and satisfaction with their participation. The interview data were thematically analysed. Outcomes & Results: Three themes were identified--(1) hurdles to active and fulfilling participation including the dominance of verbal sharing, short duration of the programme, being a minority in the group and accumulated negative experiences; (2) strategies adopted to improve participation including accepting a reduced speaking ability, having support from caregivers, and trying mobile apps to vocalize and supplement meanings; and (3) a preference for certain group conditions including receiving invitations by staff with whom they were familiar, groups that are led by experienced facilitators, a large or small group, the dominance of non-verbal activities, and inclusion of only people with post-stroke aphasia. Conclusions & Implications: The findings showed that people with post-stroke aphasia experience difficulties participating more actively in group-based rehabilitation programmes due to hurdles in terms of the structure and format of the programmes and accumulation of negative experiences. Facilitating positive group experiences for these people with innovative methods, such as using technology and providing professional and standby support, would be helpful. Longer sessions with smaller groups, exclusively including people with post-stroke aphasia and involving more non-verbal activities to help them express feelings, are suggested to optimize the benefits they derive from these group-based programmes. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01