Aphasia Access and Effective Communication

Vision

• Envisions a world where:
  • Healthcare providers, businesses, and community leaders understand tools for people with aphasia.
  • These tools help navigate life in acute/rehabilitation care, ongoing services, or community life.

Challenges for People with Aphasia

• Difficulties understanding healthcare information post-stroke.
• Inability to ask questions and understand responses.
• Need for understanding:
  • What has happened to them.
  • Reasons for speech difficulties.
  • General information about stroke and specific conditions.

Communication Strategies in Acute Care

Providing Health Education

• Importance of adjusting communication methods to:
  • Provide access to information about aphasia, stroke, and hospital experiences.

Key Information Areas

1. Information About Stroke

   • Understanding how the brain works and the nature of brain damage.
   • Explanation of assessments and treatments.

2. Information About Brain Damage

   • Use of aphasia-friendly illustrations to explain brain function and damage.

3. Information About Tests and Treatments

   • Explanation of tests like MRI in an understandable manner.
   • Clarification on non-dangerous nature of tests.

4. Establishing Informed Consent

   • Importance of clear communication strategies and graphics.
   • Ensuring understanding before conducting healthcare interventions.

5. Information About Aphasia

   • Explanation of aphasia to alleviate fear and confusion.
   • Discussion on rehabilitation and positive experiences.

Competence and Communication

• Acknowledging intelligence and competence despite aphasia.
• Encouragement to make decisions and participate in communication.

Changes in Communication

• Understanding difficulties in speech, listening, reading, and writing.
• Promotion of alternative communication methods (gestures, writing, pictures).

Recovery Pathway

• Transition from acute care to rehabilitation.
• Explanation that recovery is slow but possible.

Hope and Progress

• Emphasis on hope and gradual improvement.
• Explanation of brain recovery as a slow and ongoing process.

Communication Partner Role

• Providing communication access similar to physical access.
• Using techniques to assist individuals with aphasia in conversations.
• Essential information provision through effective communication.