Profile of Life Participation After Stroke and Aphasia

Abstract

This study sought to obtain authentic information about life participation after stroke and aphasia. An interview was conducted with 40 individuals from diverse backgrounds and living in 2 geographic locations who had aphasia of at least 9 months. Participants were interviewed using the Profile of Functional Activities and Life Participation (PFALP), a semistructured, conversational approach to obtain self-reported information about a person’s life participation profile. Life participation profiles were unique for each participant. Overall, participants reported having difficulty with many activities for which they judged themselves to be moderately impaired and for which they reported low performance satisfaction. Interview data provided information about participation restrictions related to communication and other areas. Results highlight the need for personally relevant follow-up assessment of life participation among people with chronic aphasia to identify and guide viable interventions that extend beyond the traditional scope of care.

Keywords:

• aphasia
• assessment
• life participation
• stroke