Change in perception of communication abilities of aphasic patients and their families

Abstract

Perceptions of aphasic adult communicative performance, as rated by three aphasic patients and their caregivers, were used as measures of change after a combined language therapy and day treatment programme. Patients' and caregivers' perceptions were used as an index of satisfaction with treatment. Changes in perception, as assessed on the Communicative Effectiveness Index (CETI), were compared to changes observed in functional communication on the test of Communicative Activities of Daily Living (CADL) and to changes in communication in real life situations, as reported by patients and families. For subjects 1 and 2, there was a positive relationship between changes in subjects' perceptions and changes in communication in everyday situations. For subject 3, there was a negative relationship. Results are discussed in terms of patients' ability to self-assess and self-modify communicative behaviours. Caregivers' results are discussed in terms of their ability to assess their relatives' performance and implement communication strategies. Implications for consumer satisfaction are also discussed.