Speech-language pathologists' views on visual discourse elicitation materials for cognitive communication disorder after TBI: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND

Spoken discourse is elicited as part of speech-language pathology (SLP) practice after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research literature reports on a range of monologic tasks for eliciting discourse samples, including different visual stimuli. The preferences of SLPs for these materials has not previously been investigated.

AIMS

To explore the practice and views of SLPs on available visual discourse elicitation stimuli, specifically the clinical utility and acceptability of these tasks, and alignment with materials reported in research studies. We also sought SLPs' perspectives on future discourse elicitation task development.

METHODS & PROCEDURES: We conducted a survey of Australian SLPs working with adults with cognitive-communication disorder post TBI. SLPs were asked about their use of and preferences around visual imagery, client engagement with visuals, and their suggestions for future stimuli development. Survey responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, and free text responses provided qualitative insights.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Responses from 17 SLPs were included in the study. SLPs reported The Cookie Theft picture as the most frequently used visual stimulus. Reasons for use included familiarity with the task, ability to generate sample of sufficient length and complexity, and its accessibility. There were no strong preferences for any visual materials reported in this survey; however, overall, participants reported finding the existing visual materials to be unsatisfactory. Factors affecting choice of visual stimuli included the client's visual abilities, interests, age-group, and severity of injury.

CONCLUSION & IMPLICATIONS: This exploratory study provided insight into SLPs' views on visual elicitation stimuli for discourse post-TBI, a largely unexamined area. The current findings contribute to limited knowledge of stakeholder views on elicitation tasks and will inform future research on discourse resource development after TBI.