Combining methods in the assessment and analysis of communication in aphasia

Benefits and shortcomings of different approaches

Authors

  • Charlotta Saldert University of Gothenburg
  • Malin Bergman University of Gothenburg
  • Josefin Holstensson University of Gothenburg
  • Sara Jönsson University of Gothenburg
  • Klara Nygren University of Gothenburg
  • Frida Vennman University of Gothenburg
  • Ulrika Ferm Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/jircd.v3i2.141

Keywords:

communication impairment, aphasia, interaction analysis, assessment, spouses, non verbal communication

Abstract

In this case study the benefit of using analysis of conversational interaction in clinical assessment of communication is explored. A diagnostic test revealed a severe global aphasia in a man. However, according to a questionnaire filled out by the wife, her husband had some functional communication. The description of the consequences of aphasia in this man was further modified and enriched by analyses of conversational interaction between the man and his spouse. The Measure of Participation in Conversation and the Measure of Skill in Supported Conversation show that the couple has strategies that facilitate communication. Activity-based Communication Analysis provides information about how the strategies are used and about the influence of different factors brought into the interaction by the situation and the individuals involved. Thus, although time consuming, analysis of natural conversations provide valid information that is of importance in assessment of communication and implementation of intervention that can have an impact on everyday life in persons with aphasia and their conversation partners.

Author Biographies

  • Charlotta Saldert, University of Gothenburg

    Charlotta Saldert is a speech and language pathologist specializing in neurogenic communication disorders. She has a doctorate in linguistics from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Her research at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, at the University of Gothenburg, is focused on pragmatics and conversational interaction in relation to stroke and progressive degenerative conditions such as Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

  • Malin Bergman, University of Gothenburg

    Malin Bergman, Josefin Holstensson, Sara Jönsson, Klara Nygren and Frida Vennman are speech and language pathologist students in their senior year at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg.

  • Josefin Holstensson, University of Gothenburg

    Malin Bergman, Josefin Holstensson, Sara Jönsson, Klara Nygren and Frida Vennman are speech and language pathologist students in their senior year at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg.

  • Sara Jönsson, University of Gothenburg

    Malin Bergman, Josefin Holstensson, Sara Jönsson, Klara Nygren and Frida Vennman are speech and language pathologist students in their senior year at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg.

  • Klara Nygren, University of Gothenburg

    Malin Bergman, Josefin Holstensson, Sara Jönsson, Klara Nygren and Frida Vennman are speech and language pathologist students in their senior year at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg.

  • Frida Vennman, University of Gothenburg

    Malin Bergman, Josefin Holstensson, Sara Jönsson, Klara Nygren and Frida Vennman are speech and language pathologist students in their senior year at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg.

  • Ulrika Ferm, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg

    Ulrika Ferm is a speech and language pathologist and specialist in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She works at DART – Centre for AAC and assistive technology at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. She has been within the field of AAC for 20 years and has extensive clinical and scientific experience. She did her doctoral dissertation in general linguistics at the University of Gothenburg in 2006. Main interests and research areas are interaction, AAC and social activities.

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Published

2012-12-31

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Saldert, C., Bergman, M., Holstensson, J., Jönsson, S., Nygren, K., Vennman, F., & Ferm, U. (2012). Combining methods in the assessment and analysis of communication in aphasia: Benefits and shortcomings of different approaches. Journal of Interactional Research in Communication Disorders, 3(2), 141-169. https://doi.org/10.1558/jircd.v3i2.141