Communication partner training

6.1 Communication partner training should be provided to improve the communicative environment provided by frequent communication partners for the person with aphasia.

Reference: D’Souza et al., 2021a: Qualitative study; D’Souza et al., 2021b: Before-and-after pilot intervention study; D’Souza et al., 2021c: Qualitative study; Simmons-Mackie et al., 2010: Systematic review of 31 studies (11 group designs, 8 case studies, 7 SCEDs, 5 qualitative studies); Simmons-Mackie et al., 2016: Systematic review of 25 studies (11 group design, 11 case studies, 2 qualitative studies, 1 SCED)

NHMRC level of Evidence: IV

Rationale: Communication partner training can improve the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of communication partners of people with aphasia, especially in the chronic recovery phase. For people with aphasia, CPT can result in positive changes in communication activity and participation (Simmons‐Mackie et al., 2010; Simmons-Mackie et al., 2016). 

When CPT is provided as part of a broader intervention to enhance the hospital communication environment, it may increase hospital staff confidence, knowledge and skills in using aphasia communication strategies, promote shared responsibility for communication within the multidisciplinary team, facilitate communication exchange, improve efficiency within therapy sessions, promote better staff-patient relationships and meaningful participation for people with aphasia (D’Souza et al., 2021a; D’Souza et al., 2021b; D’Souza et al., 2021c). CPT can therefore be provided to frequent communication partners as one component of enhancing the communication environment (e.g., healthcare setting, family setting). 

References:

1.  D’Souza, S., Hersh, D., Godecke, E., Ciccone, N., Janssen, H., & Armstrong, E. (2021a). Patients’ Experiences of a Communication Enhanced Environment model in an acute/slow stream rehabilitation ward and a rehabilitation ward following stroke: A Qualitative Description Approach. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(21), 6304–6313 https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1965226
2. D’Souza, S., Godecke, E., Ciccone, N., Hersh, D., Armstrong, E., Tucak, C., & Janssen, H. (2021b). Investigation of the implementation of a Communication Enhanced Environment model in an acute/slow stream rehabilitation and a rehabilitation ward: A before-and-after pilot study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 36(1), 15–39. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043897
3. D’Souza, S., Ciccone, N., Hersh, D., Janssen, H. Armstrong, E., & Godecke, E. (2021c). Staff and volunteer perceptions of a Communication Enhanced Environment model in an acute and a rehabilitation hospital ward: A qualitative description study within a before-and after pilot study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(23), 7009–7022. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1977397
4. Simmons-Mackie, N., Raymer, A., Armstrong, E., Holland, A., & Cherney, L., R. (2010).Communication partner training in aphasia: a systematic review. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabiliation, 91(12), 1814-1837. 
5. Simmons-Mackie, N., Raymer, A., & Cherney, L.R. (2016). Communication partner training in aphasia: An updated systematic review. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97(2), 2202-2221. DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.03.023 

Communication partner training

Simmons-Mackie et al completed a review on conversation partner training interventions. Of the 31 included studies, 5 addressed training of health care providers or volunteers. Two of these were randomised control trials. Both used strategies based on the principles of Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA^TM). Results from this systematic review demonstrated that communication partner training is effective in improving communication participation of persons with chronic aphasia and that of their of trained communication partner. 

RESOURCES: These resources are currently being updated 

1. Visit the Aphasia Institute website for:
   i)  Communication Tools: Communicative Access and Supported Conversation for Adults (SCA^TM) [broken link]  - a section designed for health care professionals.
   ii) a self-directed learning module for Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA^TM).[broken link]
2.  Visit the National Aphasia Association for top tips for communicating with a person with aphasia.[broken link]
3. Visit the NSW Speech Pathology Evidence Based Practice (EBP) website to view critically appraised papers on communication partner training.