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Summary of Systematic Review

Communication Partner Training in Aphasia: A Systematic Review
Simmons-Mackie, N., Raymer, A., et al. (2010).
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 91(12), 1814-37.  
 
This review meets the criteria for a high-quality evidence-based systematic review.
Indicators of Review Quality:
The review states a clearly focused question or aim Yes
Criteria for inclusion of studies are provided Yes
Search strategy is described in sufficient detail for replication Yes
Included studies are assessed for study quality Yes
Quality assessments are reproducible Yes
Characteristics of the included studies are provided Yes

Description:
This is a review of research investigating the use of the conversation partner training approaches to treat individuals with aphasia.

Question(s)/Aim(s) Addressed:
  1. In persons with acute aphasia, what is the influence of communication partner training on measures of language impairment, communication activity/participation, psychosocial adjustment/identity, and quality of life and what intervention outcomes are maintained?
  2. In persons with chronic aphasia, what is the influence of communication partner training on measures of language impairment, communication activity/participation, psychosocial adjustment/identity, and quality of life and what intervention outcomes are maintained?
  3. For communication partners of people with aphasia, what is the influence of communication partner training on measures of the communication partner’s communication skills/activity/ participation, psychosocial adjustment/identity, and quality of life and what intervention outcomes are maintained?  

Population:
Adults with aphasia secondary to any etiology and their communication partners.

Intervention/Assessment:
Any intervention directed at training people other than the person with aphasia (e.g., conversational coaching, supported conversation) with the intent of improving the communication of the individual with aphasia.

Number of Studies Included:
31

Years Included:
1975 to April 2008

Conclusions:
Aphasia
  • Treatment
    • Language
      • Conversation Partners Training Approaches
        • In general, the results of the review suggest that conversation partner training is probably effective for improving communication activities/participation for individuals with chronic aphasia.
        • Findings of the review indicated that training effects were maintained over time. However, there was insufficient evidence to support the use of conversation partner training to improve language outcomes in individuals with acute aphasia.

Sponsoring Body:
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research

Keywords: Aphasia, Stroke

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