Improving Care for People with Aphasia: Communication Training for Healthcare Providers
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| Title: | Improving Care for People with Aphasia: Communication Training for Healthcare Providers |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Carolina Maurício, Pedro Sá-Couto, Isabel Monteiro da Costa, Maria Assunção C. Matos |
| Source: | International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2026 61(2). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Interpersonal Communication, Communication Disorders, Barriers, Aphasia, Allied Health Personnel, Allied Health Occupations Education, Training, Program Effectiveness, Communication Skills, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | Portugal |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70208 |
| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Communication barriers significantly impact the quality of care for people with aphasia (PWA). To address this, training healthcare professionals (HCPs) who interact with PWA is essential. The Health Professionals and Aphasia Questionnaire (HPAQ) assess the effectiveness of such training by measuring changes from pre- to post-intervention. Objective: This study aimed to translate and validate the HPAQ into European Portuguese (HPAQ-EP) and to analyse the effectiveness of the Communicative Training in Aphasia program by examining changes in HCPs' communication skills at a clinical centre in Portugal using the newly developed HPAQ-EP. Methods: A pre-post intervention study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved translating the HPAQ-EP and validating it through expert panel review, in accordance with international guidelines. Content validity was assessed using the Content Validity Index (CVI). In Phase 2, the HPAQ-EP was administered to HCPs at a clinical centre before and after a training session based on the Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA) approach. Results: The HPAQ-EP demonstrated strong content validity (CVI > 0.80) and good internal consistency ([alpha] = 0.912), comparable to the original tool. Following implementation of the "Communicative Training in Aphasia" program (n = 23), significant improvements were observed, as reported by the HPAQ-EP, in items related to 'Knowledge', 'Skills', 'Attitudes and Emotions' (items 8 and 9) and 'Environment (item 14). Participants found the aphasia simulation the most challenging part and it was particularly insightful for understanding the lived experience of PWA. Conclusions: This study shows that targeted communication training significantly enhances HCPs' readiness to engage with PWA, highlighting its clinical value. The findings also confirm the HPAQ-EP as a valid and reliable tool for assessing HCPs' attitudes toward aphasia and for guiding the implementation of such training. Future efforts should emphasise long-term follow-up and broader implementation across healthcare settings. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1500547 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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