Exploring the experiences, barriers, and facilitators of digital language rehabilitation for stroke survivors with aphasia in acute hospital stroke units

A2002428

Each year, over 100,000 people are diagnosed with a stroke, which damages the brain and affects movement, thinking, and communication skills. Aphasia, a common consequence of stroke, results in language difficulties, affecting over one-third of stroke survivors.

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) play a crucial role in helping stroke survivors with aphasia. Research has shown that speech and language therapy can significantly improve communication. However, many stroke survivors do not receive sufficient therapy practice from SLTs.

Technology offers a promising solution by increasing the amount of language therapy through computer programs. Several studies have demonstrated that computer language therapy programs can enhance language skills in stroke survivors with aphasia. However, most research has focused on stroke survivors practicing at home, many months post-stroke, and primarily those with mild to moderate aphasia.

To address this gap, the team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals aim to explore the factors that help or hinder stroke survivors with mild to severe aphasia in using computer programs during their stay on the hospital stroke units. As well as seek to understand the experiences of family members, visitors, and SLTs in supporting the use of computer therapy.

Participants will be provided with an iPad equipped with computer language therapy. They will be shown how to use it and encouraged to practice daily, either independently or with a supporting visitor. The team will track their practice and gather feedback from the participants, their supporters, and their SLTs.

Lead Researcher	Jen Thomson
Co-Researchers	Prof Rebecca Palmer Dr Lindsey Thiel Dr Denice Ross Mr Francis Lintott
Host Organisation/CSU	Adult Therapies Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Grant Amount	£39,409.43
Start Date	30/10/2023
Estimated Duration	12 months
Status	In Progress
Impact Areas	Innovation & Health Technologies
Tags/key notes	Early Career Researcher Stroke