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 Masters of Psychology student, Sayampurna Ray on “Communicative accessibility and acceptability of a digital behavioural activation intervention for those with stroke aphasia”
Background: Individuals with post-stroke aphasia have been identified as at a high risk of developing Depression. At current the literature has identified Behavioural Activation (BA) as an approach to treat depression in this population but has yet to consider how to disseminate it in a scalable national level. A large body of research has suggested digital interventions are an effective and feasible tool to increase dissemination of treatment for Depression. However, specific consideration of how a digital intervention needs to be communicatively accessible and acceptable for those with aphasia has yet to be considered.
Aims: The aim of the present study was to seek the perceptions of those with Stroke Aphasia on their recommendations to improve the communicative accessibility and acceptability of a digital BA intervention.
Methods: 11 participants completed semi-structured interviews about a digital BA intervention which had been modified to be aphasia-friendly. This data was qualitatively analysed to determine the communicative accessibility and acceptability needs of digital interventions.
Results: Participants overall reported the program was both accessible and acceptable. Some improvements to further reduce the cognitive load on individuals when using the program and increase relatability to the concepts presented were suggested.
Discussion: By making modifications to a digital intervention which considers the communicative impairments and aphasia specific experience of depression, wider dissemination of psychological help can be considered for this population. This research has pragmatic benefits for the wider field of accessible and acceptable digital interventions for all populations with cognitive impairments