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 Queensland PhD Candidate, Helen Wallace on What is known about driving and aphasia following stroke? A scoping review.
Background: Little is known about whether or not aphasia impacts on driving performance and people with aphasia post-stroke have identified returning to driving as a top ten research priority.
Aims: This review aimed to explore what is known about driving and aphasia following stroke and specifically: (1) the impacts and perceived impacts of post-stroke aphasia on the driving task; (2) the impact of aphasia on the process of returning to drive and; (3) the lived experience of returning to driving or not for people with aphasia.
Methods: Database and secondary search methods identified relevant literature and clinical guidelines. Following screening by title and abstract, two reviewers independently assessed full-texts against identified inclusion criteria. Data were extracted in relation to source details, characteristics and review objectives.
Results: Forty-four sources and 17 clinical guidelines met inclusion criteria for this review. Six studies specifically investigated driving with aphasia, with the remaining sources contributing to the evidence base.
Discussion: The evidence-base regarding driving with aphasia is limited, inconsistent, and lacking in quality, methodological rigour and currency. We do not know if aphasia has an impact on driving performance. People with aphasia face unique barriers in returning to driving after stroke due to uncertainty about the role of language in driving; low levels of awareness and knowledge of aphasia and; linguistic and communication demands in the evaluation process. People with aphasia may be particularly impacted by driving cessation due to difficulty with accessing alternatives and support.