EFFECTS OF CONVERSATIONAL GROUP TREATMENT ON PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOME MEASURES OF COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL ISOLATION

Abstract

Individuals with aphasia (IWA) experience deficits in language and communication as well as loss of social networks and decreased social participation. The purpose of the present study was to build on previous research and design a randomized control study that measures the direct effects of conversational group treatment on language and social isolation from the perspective of the individual with aphasia (IWA). Group conversational treatment was administered for one hour, twice weekly for 10 weeks. Thirty-two IWA were randomly assigned to a treatment group or delay control group. All participants were administered a battery of standardized measures of language and communication and two patient-reported outcome measures (PRO's). The Lubben Social Network Scale (Lubben) and the Aphasia Communication Outcome Measure (adaptive ACOM) were administered at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and six-weeks post-treatment. The ACOM specifically measures the effects of aphasia on everyday communication tasks and changes in language and communication. The Lubben determines outcomes related to social isolation and perceived social support from family and friends. Significant changes were found on the ACOM for IWA in the treatment group from pre-treatment to post-treatment and pre-treatment to maintenance. No significant changes were found for the control group. For the Lubben, no significant changes were found for IWA in the treatment group or control group from pre-treatment to post-treatment or pre-treatment to maintenance. The results from this study indicate conversational group treatment was effective in increasing self-perceived language and communication abilities in individuals with aphasia. As IWA feel they can effectively communicate, it can increase group participation, communication with friends/family, and facilitate return to pre-stroke activities.