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 Edith Cowan University PhD Candidate, Sarah D’Souza on “Investigating a Communication Enhanced Environment model after stroke: A before-and-after pilot study”
Background: The environment can influence stroke recovery however patients spend large proportions of their day alone and feeling bored.
Aims: This before-and-after pilot study aimed to develop and implement a Communication Enhanced Environment (CEE) model to provide stroke survivors greater opportunities to engage in language activities. This model is an adapted model of an enriched environment which considers the communication needs of patients with aphasia within the hospital environment.
Methods: One acute and one rehabilitation ward in a metropolitan private hospital in Western Australia participated. Fourteen patients were recruited within 21 days of stroke, 7 in the before-phase (control group: patients with aphasia=3, patients without aphasia=4) and 7 in the after-phase (intervention group: patients with aphasia=4, patients without aphasia=3).
Results: Twenty-nine of the 41 (71%) model initiatives were available to the intervention group. The intervention group engaged in higher, but not significant, levels of language activities (600 of 816 observation time points, 73%) than the control group (551 of 835 observation time points, 66%). Several unforeseen factors occurred in this study that may have influenced the implementation and use of the model: reduction in stroke admissions at the hospital site; reduction in nurse-to-patient ratio; ward reconfiguration; and reduced access to communal dining.
Discussion: The implementation of a CEE model within this particular hospital setting was feasible and potentially influenced patient engagement in language activity. The unforeseen contextual challenges that occurred during the study period demonstrate the challenging nature of the hospital environment and will be useful in future research planning.