Speech-language therapists’ perceptions and attitudes towards an online aphasia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the perceptions and attitudes of SLTs towards facilitating an online aphasia group. There is a need for this study due to the lack of information available in healthcare regarding online aphasia group therapy. The results of this study may provide initial insights for SLTs regarding the continuity of care across online platforms, specifically for online aphasia group therapy. Design and study sample: A 28-item online survey was completed by 25 recently qualified SLTs. Convenience and non-probability sampling were used to recruit respondents for the study. An explorative design was adopted. Descriptive statistics, as well as qualitative content analysis, were used. Results: Quantitative findings revealed that SLTs felt confident using technology for online aphasia group therapy and they reported on the perceived benefit as well as barriers to PWA. Qualitative findings highlighted strong group engagement supported by strategies such as peer encouragement and structured facilitation. SLTs offered suggestions to improve the delivery of online therapy such as hybrid models, culturally inclusive resources and further training to better support person-centred care. Conclusions: Newly qualified speech-Language therapists reported that facilitating the online group sessions with persons with aphasia (PWA) was an overall positive experience and offered psychosocial benefits, communication goal attainment, treatment adherence and improved quality of life for PWA. Conversely, SLTs reported technological challenges such as unstable internet connectivity, audio and visual difficulties, however they largely felt positively towards their undergraduate training and towards continuing online aphasia group therapy in future.