Experiences of participating in group-based rehabilitation programmes: A qualitative study of community-dwelling adults with post-stroke aphasia

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The findings showed that people with post-stroke aphasia experience difficulties participating more actively in group-based rehabilitation programmes due to hurdles in terms of the structure and format of the programmes and accumulation of negative experiences. Facilitating positive group experiences for these people with innovative methods, such as using technology and providing professional and standby support, would be helpful. Longer sessions with smaller groups, exclusively including people with post-stroke aphasia and involving more non-verbal activities to help them express feelings, are suggested to optimize the benefits they derive from these group-based programmes.WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Stroke-specific or general group-based rehabilitation programmes are commonly offered by community-based organizations to support the recovery of people with or without stroke. However, some people with post-stroke aphasia may be unable to participate fully in verbal sharing of experiences and exchange of thoughts during these group-based programmes, which can limit the benefits they derive from these programmes. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study explored the experiences of people with post-stroke aphasia in relation to participating in group-based rehabilitation programmes not specifically designed for people with stroke-induced aphasia organized by community-based organizations. The findings provide...
Source: International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Source Type: research