Learn about the latest research projects our students are undertaking as part of their PhD studies. Students were invited to do a 10 minute presentation on their research in the Student Showcase competition, we are pleased to share some of these presentations. To see more presentations, check the Student research category on the blog sidebar.
Aphasia CRE Student Showcase 2021 presentation by University of Technology Sydney PhD Candidate, Rebecca El-Helou on “Development of the “Kalmer” relaxation intervention: Co-design with stroke survivors with Aphasia”
Background: Anxiety is common in stroke survivors, and those with aphasia are most vulnerable to developing such mood impairments. However, there is a dearth of research on effective psychological treatments for anxiety in stroke survivors and current treatments aren’t suitable for those with aphasia.
Aims: Given relaxation appears to be a promising and inclusive treatment option, the aim of the current study was to co-design the “Kalmer” relaxation intervention.
METHODS: The researchers consulted with 12 individuals with aphasia via focus groups or interviews. These participants provided feedback on sample relaxation materials to inform the development of the intervention. Participants also shared their experiences with mood care after stroke and discussed ways to overcome barriers to treatment adherence to help inform both the development and future evaluations of the “Kalmer” intervention. A thematic analysis was performed on interview transcripts.
Results: It was widely reported that psychological care after stroke was not prioritised or managed well by hospitals, highlighting the need for relaxation interventions to be developed and tailored for those with stroke related impairments. Participants’ preferences on relaxation materials and suggestions to encourage treatment compliance were utilised by the research team to iteratively revise the intervention. Specifically, the name, content and the delivery of the intervention were refined and later developed.
Discussion: Overall, the development of the “Kalmer” relaxation intervention was widely supported and accepted as a feasible anxiety treatment for stroke survivors with aphasia. Preliminary studies are needed in future to trial the feasibility and efficacy of the “Kalmer” intervention.