Communication Strategies Used By Families of an Individual with Aphasia Following Stroke

Abstract

Background: Aphasia is an acquired communication disability where an individual loses his or her ability to understand and use language in any modality. Gestures, writing and the use of pictures are some examples of strategies which improve communication and interaction with individuals with aphasia. Research shows that adopting communicative strategies and behaviours and establishing positive interactions with individuals with aphasia helps improve their quality of life. Aim: The study was aimed at investigating the strategies and behaviours family members use when communicating with the individual with aphasia. Methods: This research used a qualitative single case study design methodology that explored communication strategies used to support communication between an individual with aphasia and five family members. Two data collection methods were used to explore this topic: an observational method to explore the nature of everyday conversations; semi-structured interviews to describe the range of communication strategies during interactions. Transcripts from the interviews were analysed using thematic analysis based on the six steps process by (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The observational study was analysed using a combination of deductive and inductive analysis. The findings on the two data collection strategies were triangulated to provide a generalising conclusion and to improve rigor and confirm trustworthiness of the processes. Results: The study revealed a description of the strategies and behaviours the family members developed to encourage interactions with the individual who presents with anomic aphasia. Strategies and behaviours such as the use of alternatives, incorporating patience, encouraging one-on-one interactions, stating the topic, body language/the use of objects to communicate were outlined by family members to facilitate communication with the individual with anomic aphasia. Conclusion: This preliminary exploration has illuminated the communication strategies employed by family members to facilitate interactions with the individual with aphasia within one family case. Future research should build on these preliminary findings to explore patterns in strategies within a range of families.