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ABSTRACT
Background: Linguistic discourse analysis is an assessment method widely applied within aphasia research literature to examine impairments as they affect the language of daily function—discourse. Although this literature suggests that clinical applications do occur, it also identifies barriers that may inhibit the translation of research to practice.
Aims: This study aimed to identify the frequency of use and methods of linguistic discourse analysis application by speech pathologists when assessing their clients with aphasia.
Methods & Procedures: A survey was distributed electronically to speech pathologists in five English-speaking countries using the online survey management tool Survey Monkey®. Clinical applications of linguistic discourse analysis were examined using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation analyses.
Outcomes & Results: Of 123 valid survey results, 106 clinicians reported use of linguistic discourse analysis to assess language in aphasia. Respondents collected language elicited in conversational contexts and expositional discourse samples most often, and subjected these samples to a range of linguistic measures. Most clinicians applied a judgement-based method of analysis based on clinical observation. Clinicians reported positive attitudes towards the use of linguistic discourse analysis, but were limited from widespread use by barriers such as a lack of available clinical time.
Conclusions: Results revealed that speech pathologists defined and therefore implemented linguistic discourse analysis in a variety of ways. The methods used to elicit, prepare and analyse discourse varied among respondents. Further investigation is warranted to examine the effectiveness of clinical discourse analysis applications and to support the translation of evidence-based research methods to clinical practice.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Megan Valentine from The University of Newcastle Statistical Support Service for her assistance and support with design of the survey and statistical analysis of results.
Declaration of Interest
This project contributes to the requirements for Lucy Bryant’s PhD candidature in Speech Pathology at The University of Newcastle, under the supervision of Dr Elizabeth Spencer and Conjoint Professor Alison Ferguson.
Notes
1. Please note that all results reported for use, elicitation, sample preparation and analysis are based on the sample of 106 survey respondents who reported using discourse always, usually, sometimes or rarely.
2. Please note that all results reported for attitudes towards discourse and computer-assisted analysis, and barriers and facilitators of linguistic discourse analysis are based on the complete survey sample of 123 unless otherwise stated.