Implementation of Comprehensive High-dose Aphasia Treatment (CHAT)

Project Member(s): Power, E., Ryan, B.

Funding or Partner Organisation: National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC Partnership Projects)
National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC Partnership Projects)

Start year: 2021

Summary: Aphasia is a language and communication disability that occurs in approximately 30% of stroke patients with over 120,000 people currently living with aphasia in Australia. Aphasia is associated with four times the community rate of depression. It negatively impacts quality of life more than cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. There is high quality evidence that aphasia therapy improves communication outcomes and individuals benefit more when aphasia therapy is provided in a higher dose. Yet this evidence has not been translated into practice. Major evidence-practice gaps in aphasia identified by our team include the inadequate amount and intensity of therapy received, the lack of collaborative goal-setting, and a lack of conversation partner training. To address these gaps, we have developed and trialled an effective, comprehensive high-dose aphasia program. Based on our work to date and our identification of translational barriers, the overall aim of this research is to evaluate the implementation of our proven, comprehensive, high dose aphasia treatment in the clinical setting. Our program, called CHAT (Comprehensive High-Dose Aphasia Treatment), incorporates evidence-based and goal-directed treatment of impairment and function, A suite of evidence-based implementation strategies will be used with participating hospitals and health services in metropolitan and regional areas with uptake sustained through clinical support networks. This translation research will provide evidence required to directly influence policy and improve aphasia management and access, thus addressing key priorities of health professionals and services. It will provide a new model of care for delivering comprehensive and effective aphasia rehabilitation and establish a practical solution to optimise outcomes for patients.

FOR Codes: Medical And Health Sciences, Health, Clinical sciences, Medical biochemistry and metabolomics, Cardiovascular medicine and haematology

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.