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Background: This paper presents the pilot testing of an online professional development (PD) course for New Zealand (NZ) speech-language therapists (SLTs) working with Māori with stroke-related communication disorders (predominantly aphasia). Taking a public health approach and focusing on the context of Māori as Indigenous peoples in a colonised society, the course lays the foundation for aphasia management for Māori. It consists of two modules. Module One addresses health inequities, social determinants of health, racism, the Treaty of Waitangi, cultural safety and power inherent in the role of the SLT. Module Two includes specific information about providing therapy for Māori stroke patients (particularly those with aphasia) and family members and working with Māori health colleagues. Aim: The primary aim was to ascertain the impact of the course on participants' clinical practice with Māori with aphasia. A secondary aim was to examine participants' assessment of the content and delivery of the course. Methods & Procedures: This was a qualitative longitudinal pilot study. Eleven SLTs completed the online course, immediately followed by a survey in which they gave feedback on the course and named three activities they would do to apply their learning in the following six months. Eight participants were available for interview six months later. Interviews aimed to ascertain what participants learned from the course, how they applied their learning and how the course could be improved. Interview data were analysed using a "general inductive approach", in conjunction with responses to the survey. Outcomes & Results: Interview findings were divided into two main themes – "putting it into practice" which revealed what participants learned and how they applied their learning and "keeping it at the forefront" which focused on maintaining that learning and practice, including reflection on the course content and delivery. All participants were positive about the course and all would recommend it to colleagues. Conclusions: The pilot testing revealed that participants made positive changes to their practice as a result of their learning. Challenges inherent in completing the course and applying learning and suggestions for improvement were also identified. Although the course content is NZ-specific, many of the ideas in the course are relevant to numerous multiethnic contexts across the world in which the speech-language therapy culture in service delivery could be impacted by issues such as power, racism, and inequity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Experiences of aphasia are shaped by culture. Therefore, to provide appropriate services for people with aphasia (PWA), speech-language therapists (SLTs) must understand aphasia from their potential clients’ cultural perspective. Aims:This study aimed to describe and interpret the experiences of Māori with aphasia and their whānau (extended family), to inform service delivery for this population. Methods & Procedures:This study is kaupapa Māori research (KMR), an Indigenous research approach that privileges Māori culture and knowledge. A qualitative methodology, interpretive description (ID), was incorporated to produce clinically relevant findings that will benefit SLTs and Māori. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 11 Māori with aphasia and their nominated whānau members. Participants spoke about aphasia-related changes in relationships, health, spirituality, activities and family and community roles. Analysis was informed by interpretive description (ID) and kaupapa Māori. Outcomes & Results:Participants described a range of positive and negative experiences of aphasia. These developed into two pairs of themes: (1) “Grieving for what is lost” and “Recognising what we have got” (2) “It is hard” and “Choosing how to respond”. Conclusions:Aphasia can have a profound effect on Māori families and bring many changes in family roles and relationships. Despite difficulties, whānau can actively manage their situation, and enable the person with aphasia to participate in the whānau and community. The findings of this study will inform clinical practice and provide the basis for the development of resources for use in speech-language therapy services for Māori with aphasia and their whānau. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Experiences of aphasia are shaped by culture. Therefore, to provide appropriate services for people with aphasia (PWA), speech-language therapists (SLTs) must understand aphasia from their potential clients’ cultural perspective. Aims:This study aimed to describe and interpret the experiences of Māori with aphasia and their whānau (extended family), to inform service delivery for this population. Methods & Procedures:This study is kaupapa Māori research (KMR), an Indigenous research approach that privileges Māori culture and knowledge. A qualitative methodology, interpretive description (ID), was incorporated to produce clinically relevant findings that will benefit SLTs and Māori. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 11 Māori with aphasia and their nominated whānau members. Participants spoke about aphasia-related changes in relationships, health, spirituality, activities and family and community roles. Analysis was informed by interpretive description (ID) and kaupapa Māori. Outcomes & Results:Participants described a range of positive and negative experiences of aphasia. These developed into two pairs of themes: (1) “Grieving for what is lost” and “Recognising what we have got” (2) “It is hard” and “Choosing how to respond”. Conclusions:Aphasia can have a profound effect on Māori families and bring many changes in family roles and relationships. Despite difficulties, whānau can actively manage their situation, and enable the person with aphasia to participate in the whānau and community. The findings of this study will inform clinical practice and provide the basis for the development of resources for use in speech-language therapy services for Māori with aphasia and their whānau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]