Priority 3 Stroke Rehabilitation and Long-term Care

UNCERTAINTY: What are the effects of, and best assessments and interventions for, the range of communication difficulties in stroke survivors? (JLA PSP Priority 3)
Overall ranking	3
JLA question ID	0106/3b
Explanatory note	Stroke survivors often have problems with language and communication. There are different types of speaking impairments including aphasia and dysphasia, and the underlying cause of communication difficulties can be complex. Losing the ability to communicate has wide consequences making it more difficult to maintain independence and social connections, and those close to stroke survivors may find it hard to cope. For example, depression is also more common in stroke survivors with aphasia compared to stroke survivors without. There is limited evidence on effects, diagnosis and treatments for the range of communication difficulties and this is needed to improve care for the many stroke survivors with these difficulties to rebuild their lives.
Evidence	No evidence identified
Health Research Classification System category	Stroke

Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples	When is the optimal time for Speech and Language Therapy for aphasia be offered after a stroke? ~ Is there any evidence that communication improves at an impairment level with therapy? ~ Why did my husband not get speech therapy right away? ~ What interventions are effective at improving functional communication for people with aphasia after a stroke? ~ What interventions can help people with aphasia after a stroke to meaningfully improve their communication? ~ What is the optimum timing for speech and language therapy intervention for aphasia, and what intensity shows best effect?
Submitted by	Stroke Survivor x 9, Carer x 11, Health/social care professional x 31, Research Recommendations x 1, Not stated x 5

Extra information provided by this PSP

Original uncertainty examples

When is the optimal time for Speech and Language Therapy for aphasia be offered after a stroke? ~ Is there any evidence that communication improves at an impairment level with therapy? ~ Why did my husband not get speech therapy right away? ~ What interventions are effective at improving functional communication for people with aphasia after a stroke? ~ What interventions can help people with aphasia after a stroke to meaningfully improve their communication? ~ What is the optimum timing for speech and language therapy intervention for aphasia, and what intensity shows best effect?

Submitted by

Stroke Survivor x 9, Carer x 11, Health/social care professional x 31, Research Recommendations x 1, Not stated x 5

PSP information
PSP unique ID	0106
PSP name	Stroke Rehabilitation and Long-term Care
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP.	93 (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop	19/20th April 2021