“Self-management has to be the way of the future”: Exploring the perspectives of speech-language pathologists who work with people with aphasia

Abstract

Purpose

Healthcare models have incorporated self-management approaches to facilitate increased patient responsibility for chronic condition management. As aphasia is a chronic condition, self-management may be beneficial for people with aphasia; however, the possible impacts of the language disorder on self-management must be acknowledged and addressed. Speech-language pathologists would likely be principal providers of self-management support; therefore, their perspectives should be sought when considering development of aphasia self-management approaches. This study aims to explore speech-language pathologist perspectives of aphasia self-management.

Method

In-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 speech-language pathologists in Australia. Interview data analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Result

Aphasia self-management was viewed as a person- and family-centred approach enabling comprehensive long-term care for people with aphasia and promoting control, responsibility, and independence. Speech-language pathologists were seen to have a substantial role providing self-management support and consultation, and training was required to expand this role. Communication partners and peer support were highly valued. Personal and environmental factors may influence successful aphasia self-management. Differences between aphasia self-management and chronic condition self-management were considered.

Conclusion

Self-management could facilitate long-term sustainable aphasia management. Aphasia self-management approaches should factor in how to maximise communication partner and peer support. Aphasia-friendly self-management resources are necessary.

Keywords:

• aphasia
• self-management
• rehabilitation

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Speech Pathology Australia Higher Degree by Research Grant.