Trained and supported/supervised volunteers.

5.18 In addition to individual therapy delivered by speech pathologists aphasia rehabilitation can include trained and supported/supervised volunteers.

References: Brady et al., 2016: Cochrane review

NHMRC Level of Evidence: I

Rationale: Studies that compared volunteer facilitated aphasia therapy (e.g., delivered by family members, friends, or people unknown to the person with aphasia) to therapy from speech pathologists have shown little to no difference on a range of language outcomes (e.g., auditory and reading comprehension, writing, spoken language, and functional communication; Brady et al., 2016). 

Brady et al. (2016) report that this result is not surprising because volunteers were trained, provided with information about the patient’s communication impairment, given access to relevant therapy materials, and supported or supervised by a speech pathologist. The therapy plan was developed by the speech pathologist in most studies. For these reasons, speech pathologists should ensure that volunteers (and other non-clinicians such as allied health assistants) involved in delivering aphasia rehabilitation receive adequate training, preparation, resources and support.

References: 

1. Brady, M.C., Kelly, H., Godwin, J., Enderby, P., & Campbell, P. (2016). Speech and language therapy for aphasia following stroke. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 6(6). DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd000425.pub