Article

PURPOSE: To identify important treatment outcomes from the perspective of people
with aphasia and their families using the ICF as a frame of reference. METHODS:
The nominal group technique was used with people with aphasia and their family
members in seven countries to identify and rank important treatment outcomes from
aphasia rehabilitation. People with aphasia identified outcomes for themselves;
and family members identified outcomes for themselves and for the person with
aphasia. Outcomes were analysed using qualitative content analysis and ICF
linking. RESULTS: A total of 39 people with aphasia and 29 family members
participated in one of 16 nominal groups. Inductive qualitative content analysis
revealed the following six themes: (1) Improved communication; (2) Increased life
participation; (3) Changed attitudes through increased awareness and education
about aphasia; (4) Recovered normality; (5) Improved physical and emotional
well-being; and (6) Improved health (and support) services. Prioritized outcomes
for both participant groups linked to all ICF components; primary
activity/participation (39%) and body functions (36%) for people with aphasia,
and activity/participation (49%) and environmental factors (28%) for family
members. Outcomes prioritized by family members relating to the person with
aphasia, primarily linked to body functions (60%). CONCLUSIONS: People with
aphasia and their families identified treatment outcomes which span all
components of the ICF. This has implications for research outcome measurement and
clinical service provision which currently focuses on the measurement of body
function outcomes. The wide range of desired outcomes generated by both people
with aphasia and their family members, highlights the importance of collaborative
goal setting within a family-centred approach to rehabilitation. These results
will be combined with other stakeholder perspectives to establish a core outcome
set for aphasia treatment research. Implications for Rehabilitation Important
outcomes for people with aphasia and their families span all components of the
ICF. The relevancy and translation of research findings may be increased by
measuring and reporting research outcomes which are important to people living
with aphasia. The results of this study indicate that important treatment
outcomes for people living with aphasia most frequently link to the
activity/participation and body function components of the ICF. The outcomes
identified in this study suggest a broad role for clinicians working in aphasia
rehabilitation. The categories of identified outcomes may be used clinically as a
starting point in goal-setting discussions with clients and their families.

Langue : ANGLAIS