![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Purpose: Limited research exists on acquired communication disorders (ACD) in Aboriginal Australians despite their high rates of stroke. Their uptake of rehabilitation services is low, and little information is available on functional consequences for this population. This pilot study explored consequences of ACD for Aboriginal Australians after stroke, including their experiences of services received. Method: Semi-structured interviews were collected with 13 Aboriginal people with ACD, and family members, in Perth. Ages ranged from 30 to 78 years and time post stroke from 0.5 to 29 years. A qualitative, thematic analysis of interview transcripts was undertaken. Results: The key themes which emerged were “getting on with life”, coping with change, independence/interdependence, the importance of communication for maintaining family and community connection, role and identity issues and viewing the stroke consequences within the broader context of co-morbidities. Conclusions: While similar life disruptions were found to those previously reported in the general stroke population, this study highlighted differences, which reflect the particular context of ACD for Aboriginal people and which need to be considered when planning future services. While implications are limited due to small numbers, the findings emphasise the importance of a holistic approach, and integration of communication treatments into community-led social activities.
Aboriginal Australians frequently experience a range of concurrent and complex co-morbidities and demanding social or family circumstances at the same time as coping with communication disorders post-stroke.
A holistic approach to post stroke rehabilitation may be appropriate with services that accommodate communication disorders, delivered in collaboration with Aboriginal organisations, emphasising positive attitudes and reintegration into community as fully as possible.
Communication and yarning are important for maintaining family and community connection and identity, and family and community context should be incorporated into all assessment and treatment activities.
Implications for Rehabilitation
Acknowledgements
We wish to thank the Speech Pathology Department of the Royal Perth Hospital, for their assistance in recruitment of participants for the study, and the Reference Group in providing guidance for the study. Finally and most importantly, we wish to thank the participants for sharing their stories and their homes with us in order to help others who have experienced strokes already or may in the future.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflict of interest. The study was funded by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Grant G2010.7595.