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Aphasia CRE Student Showcase 2021 presentation by Chelsea Larkman – “When clinicians and clients do not share a language: adaptation of aphasia therapy for other languages and cultures”
Background: International migration and global aging are resulting in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) aphasia caseloads worldwide. Increasingly, speech pathologists are required to provide aphasia rehabilitation to clients with whom they do not share a language. In Australia, 21% of people speak a language other than English. Our scoping review identified that speech pathologists frequently report a lack of confidence, skill and preparation to work with CALD clients with aphasia. There is a shortage of evidence, guidelines, resources, and access to interpreters to support their practice.
Aims: Utilise theories of cultural and linguistic adaptation for the adaptation of aphasia therapy into other cultures and languages; apply this process to the adaptation of Verb Network Strengthening Treatment into Mandarin; and refine this process and resource through a co-design process with key stakeholders.
Methods: Three studies employing qualitative co-design methods have been designed to determine how to culturally and linguistically adapt aphasia therapies into other languages. Focus groups and in-depth semi-structured interviews with speech pathologists, interpreters and CALD clients with aphasia will be utilised for data collection. Both Framework and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis will be used to analyse the data.
Discussion The findings of this research will have important implications for clinical practice with CALD clients with aphasia and will inform future research of adaptation of additional therapy approaches into other languages and cultures. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the adaptation process may be relevant to other acquired communication disorders. Results will be disseminated via publications, conferences and interest groups.