"Self-management has to be the way of the future": Exploring the perspectives of speech-language pathologists who work with people with aphasia.

PURPOSE

Healthcare models have incorporated self-management approaches to facilitate increased patient responsibility for chronic condition management. As aphasia is a chronic condition, self-management may be beneficial for people with aphasia; however, the possible impacts of the language disorder on self-management must be acknowledged and addressed. Speech-language pathologists would likely be principal providers of self-management support; therefore, their perspectives should be sought when considering development of aphasia self-management approaches. This study aims to explore speech-language pathologist perspectives of aphasia self-management.

METHOD

In-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 speech-language pathologists in Australia. Interview data analysed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULT

Aphasia self-management was viewed as a person- and family-centred approach enabling comprehensive long-term care for people with aphasia and promoting control, responsibility, and independence. Speech-language pathologists were seen to have a substantial role providing self-management support and consultation, and training was required to expand this role. Communication partners and peer support were highly valued. Personal and environmental factors may influence successful aphasia self-management. Differences between aphasia self-management and chronic condition self-management were considered.

CONCLUSION

Self-management could facilitate long-term sustainable aphasia management. Aphasia self-management approaches should factor in how to maximise communication partner and peer support. Aphasia-friendly self-management resources are necessary.