Intensive Communication Group for People with aphasia (ICGA) Research Project at QMU Motivation: Need for more practised based learning opportunities for SLT students with adult clients with acquired neurological conditions. Funding: The Headley Trust

Consultation: Scottish Health Boards Voluntary Sector: Chest, Heart and Stroke, The Stroke Association, Speakability HEIs, National and International – good evidence of effectiveness No Intensive Group Experience available in Scotland Background: 2012 Scoping

11 People with Aphasia + communication partners referred by SLT services in Borders, Forth Valley, Lothian Therapy Team: 2 Highly Experienced SLT Leads 1 Art and 1 Music Therapist 1Physiotherapist 8 SLT Student placements, 1 internship Background: 2013 Pilot Run

The Programme Introductory Day 5 Therapy Days for people with Aphasia Communication Partners attended on 2 days An evaluation and dissemination of results morning

The Programme QMU as a venue: multiple opportunities for communication throughout the day QMU staff involved – security, reception, catering, AHP professionals Large/small group sessions; 1:1 IT support, students

The Programme Workshops: Aphasia and impact on family What makes a good communicator Practical session with other PWAs Sharing ideas – apps, software (react2), hardware Exercise after stroke

Quotes from clients Gives an opportunity to speak – would come back tomorrow! Liberating – nice to know I am not in this space alone The pictures and the students helped the words come out easier. I talked and the words were coming out. Now that I have communicated with others in the group, I am very confident. (CP) Enjoyed being “buddy” with a new person with aphasia (CP)

Quotes from Students ……allowed us to work independently and also as a team and provided us with the opportunity to do group work which students don’t often have the chance to do It turned out to be a wonderful placement (Student) [we saw] the clients interacting in everyday situations e.g. ordering lunch Also provided us with the opportunity to work with other health professionals and communication partners I was hesitant at first that I wouldn’t get enough client contact on this placement as the actual program only ran for 5 ½ days. However, because there were 11 clients on the program and I was engaging them individually and as a group, I feel I received a substantial amount of client contact

Funding for 2014 and towards 2015 and 2016 Annual summer group → sustainable? SLT +Art and Music placements → other AHPs? Disseminate model Other client groups? Future plans

Executive summary and full report including outcomes for all participants including students More information?