Sustaining acute speech-language therapists' implementation of recommended aphasia practices: A mixed methods follow-up evaluation of a cluster RCT

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: Implementation outcomes (i.e., practice changes) were not sustained to the same level for three of the four participating SLT teams, with variable or partial sustainment most common. While the factors influencing sustainability differed depending on the context and individuals involved, the most important factor influencing outcomes seemed to be the level to which behaviour-change processes and strategies were embedded within the SLT department. Future implementation studies should incorporate sustainability measures from the onset and include follow-ups and monitoring systems to help support sustained change in the long term.WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject In post-stroke aphasia management, there are few examples of long-term sustainability of implementation outcomes. It is therefore unknown what factors are potentially important to sustain implementation of best-practice recommendations in aphasia services. What this paper adds to existing knowledge There is potential for implementation outcomes to be sustained long term, but sustainment is impacted by a range of factors. Ongoing facilitation or follow-up after initial implementation may to useful to promote sustainment, but is not essential if processes are sufficiently embedded. Gradual implementation into practice may lead to better sustainment than rapid change that is quickly forgotten. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Future imp...
Source: International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Source Type: research