The training of communication partners forms a crucial part of speech therapy in order to ensure effective access to and participation in communication between patients with speech and language difficulties and their communication partners.
Communication is always a two-way street and is defined as the meaningful exchange of information through speaking, writing, signing, or some other medium.
Who can be communication partner?
Spouses/partners
Family members
Friends
Healthcare workers
Community members
Colleagues
Let's take a step back... Why is effective communication so important? Our ability to communicate in some way is central to our existence as social beings. Think about how many times a day you send a text message, post a status update, phone a loved one or catch up over coffee. Now imagine suddenly being cut off from that social interaction.
This is a reality for many post-stroke individuals and their loved ones. Strokes can result in either isolated or combined speech and language disorders. Speech difficulties prevent a person from clearly verbalising their thoughts where language difficulties result in either comprehension or expression barriers or a combination thereof.
Speech therapy addresses these problems through evidence based techniques which aim at improving communication. A large part of therapy involves one-on-one intervention with the patient themselves to improve their communication skills or even to implement augmentative and alternative forms of communication (AAC). It is however vital that communication partners are included in therapy to ensure effective exchange of information. This training involves teaching partners how to interact with the patient to improve communication outcomes as well as to help them to better understand the patient. Training can also involve teaching partners how to use AAC systems and devices, whether it is a basic picture exchange system, gesturing, or a high-tech application on a device.
Image credit: Sisken Hospital
Strategies for communication partners may include:
Using picture-based systems
Writing/written aids
Gestural systems
Drawing
Simplifying communication
Asking closed-ended questions to verify information exchanged
Eliminating internal and environmental distractions
Communication partner training not only aims to improve communication but should also empower those involved and encourage social participation.
I hope this provided some insight on the importance of communication partners in post-stroke rehabilitation.
You are not alone. Please speak to your healthcare provider about stroke support-groups in your area.
All my love,
Charlize