Current Clinical Practice of Speech-Language Pathologists who Treat Individuals with Aphasia

A Grounded Theory Study

Authors

  • Christen Page University of Kentucky
  • Dana Howell Eastern Kentucky University University of Kentucky

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/jircd.v6i1.1

Keywords:

aphasia, evaluation, treatment, evidence-based practice

Abstract

Little is known about the current practices of speech- language pathologists working with people with aphasia in rehabilitation settings, or to what extent speech-language pathologists incorporate evidence for aphasia in clinical practice. This systematic grounded theory study described how speech- language pathologists treating individuals with aphasia understood the major processes of their current practice. Ten speech- language pathologists were interviewed. A theory emerged demonstrating a process of connecting with patients with aphasia to meet their communication needs to develop treatment strategies. This process evolved as the clinician gained experience from empirical evidence, client perspectives, and clinical expertise. During their graduate programs, participants obtained knowledge related to evidence-based practice but reported difficulty implementing evidence during actual practice. Participants reported limited time to locate and read literature. Understanding the process speech- language pathologists used to select treatment for people with aphasia may influence the role of evidence in clinical practice.

Author Biographies

  • Christen Page, University of Kentucky

    Christen G. Page is a student in the Rehabilitation Sciences Doctoral Program at the University of Kentucky. Research interests include enhanced resident-staff communication in long-term care facilities. Christen has eight years of clinical experience focused in sub-acute and long term rehabilitation. She also she serves as a clinical supervisor in the UK Aphasia Clinic.

  • Dana Howell, Eastern Kentucky University University of Kentucky

    Dana Howell, PhD, is a Professor of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. She also teaches Doctor of Rehabilitation Sciences program at the University of Kentucky. Her clinical experience is in adult rehabilitation and her research interests include interprofessional education, qualitative research, and quality of life for people with physical disabilities.

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Published

2015-01-30

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Page, C., & Howell, D. (2015). Current Clinical Practice of Speech-Language Pathologists who Treat Individuals with Aphasia: A Grounded Theory Study. Journal of Interactional Research in Communication Disorders, 6(1), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1558/jircd.v6i1.1