How are SLPs managing services for people with mild aphasia?

Journal of Communication Disorders
Jennifer Mozeiko, Andrea Pascariello

Abstract

At present, there is limited information on the nature and extent of speech-language pathology services in the U.S. specific to people with mild aphasia (PWMA). The goal of the present study was to determine how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) perceive the assessment, treatment, and discharge of PWMA. According to anecdotal reports from SLPs and PWMA, current services may be inadequate and those with more severe aphasia types are being prioritized. To investigate factors potentially limiting SLP involvement and to determine gaps in service, a 26-question survey, consisting of both open-ended and closed-ended questions, was developed and distributed via email and social media to selected groups of SLPs. A total of 133 SLPs responded to the survey. In this brief report, we discuss only the primary findings. Reports of assessment, treatment, and discharge procedures were diverse; however, a number of central themes were observed. The majority of respondents had more than ten years of experience. They reported greater use of informal measures in assessing people with mild aphasia as compared to people with more severe forms of aphasia. Discharge procedures and recommendations were found to involve primarily referrals to the nex...Continue Reading

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