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Background: People with an acquired brain injury (ABI) find it challenging to use social media due to changes in their cognition and communication skills. Using social media can provide opportunities for positive connection, but there is a lack of interventions specifically designed to support safe and successful social media use after ABI. Aims: To investigate the outcomes of completing a social media skills intervention and identify barriers and facilitators for future implementation. Methods & Procedures: The study used a mixed‐methods, pre‐post‐intervention design. A total of 17 adults with an ABI were recruited. Participants completed an intervention that included a short self‐guided course about social media skills (social‐ABI‐lity course), and then participated in a private, moderated Facebook group over a 12‐week period (social‐ABI‐lity Facebook group). Data were collected over this period through observation of group activity and weekly surveys. They were also collected on social media use and quality of life at pre‐intervention, post‐intervention and after 3 months. Participants provided feedback on the experience of participating in the programme via a post‐intervention interview. Outcomes & Results: At post‐intervention, there were significant improvements in confidence in using Facebook (p = 0.002) and enjoyment of using Facebook to connect with others (p = 0.013). There was no significant change in reported quality of life, although participants described the multiple benefits of connection they perceived from involvement in the group. Observational data and feedback interviews were informative about the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Conclusions & Implications: This pilot study provided preliminary evidence that an intervention comprising a short, self‐guided training course and a private, moderated Facebook group improved outcomes for people with ABI. Key recommendations for future implementation include embedding active peer moderators within groups and taking an individualized approach to delivery of the intervention. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Research has documented the challenges that people with ABI experience in using social media, and the difficulty for rehabilitation clinicians in providing appropriate support in this field. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This pilot study reports the outcomes of people with ABI completing a short, self‐guided social media skills course and participating in a private, moderated Facebook group. After the intervention, participants reported significantly increased confidence and enjoyment in using Facebook, described the benefits of connection found in the groups, and suggested potential improvements for future implementation. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: With the growing use of social media for connection and participation, there is a professional obligation to address social media communication skills in cognitive–communication rehabilitation for people with ABI. The findings of this study will inform interventions and future research to assist people with ABI to build their social media skills for communication, social support and a sense of connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Engagement is recognized as an important factor in aphasia treatment response and outcomes, yet gaps remain in our understanding of engagement and practices that promote engagement from the client perspective. Aims: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how clients with aphasia experience engagement during their inpatient aphasia rehabilitation. Methods & Procedures: An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach guided the study design and analysis. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews with nine clients with aphasia, recruited through purposive sampling, during their inpatient rehabilitation admission. Analysis was completed using a variety of analytic techniques including coding, memoing, triangulation between coders and team discussion. Outcomes & Results: The analysis revealed that for clients with aphasia in the acute phrase of recovery, the rehabilitation process resembles travelling on a journey through a foreign land. Successful engagement in the journey was accomplished when one had a therapist who served as a trusted guide and was able to be a friend, invested, adaptable, a co‐creator, encouraging and dependable. Conclusions & Implications: Engagement is a dynamic, multifaceted and person‐centred process involving the client, provider and rehabilitation context. Findings from this work have implications for measuring engagement, training student clinicians to be skilled facilitators in engaging their clients and implementing person‐centred practices that promote engagement within clinical settings. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Engagement is recognized as an important factor in rehabilitation treatment response and outcomes. Prior literature suggests that the therapist plays a critical role in facilitating engagement within the client–provider relationship. Communication impairments associated with aphasia may negatively impact a client's ability to develop interpersonal connections and participate in the rehabilitation process. There is a dearth of research directly exploring the topic of engagement in aphasia rehabilitation, particularly from the perspective of clients with aphasia. Capturing the client perspective can provide novel insights regarding practices to foster and maintain engagement in aphasia rehabilitation. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This interpretative phenomenological study revealed that for individuals with aphasia in the acute phase of recovery, the rehabilitation process resembles travelling on a sudden and foreign journey. Successful engagement in the journey was accomplished when one had a therapist who served as a 'trusted guide' and was able to be a friend, invested, adaptable, a co‐creator, encouraging and dependable. Through the client experience, engagement is seen as a dynamic, multifaceted and person‐centred process involving the client, provider and rehabilitation context. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The current study highlights the complexity and nuance of engagement within the rehabilitation context, which has implications for measuring engagement, training student clinicians to be skilled in engaging their clients and implementing person‐centred practices that promote engagement within clinical settings. It is necessary to recognize that client and provider interactions (and thus engagement) are embedded in and influenced by the broader healthcare system. With this in mind, a patient‐centred approach to engagement in aphasia care delivery cannot be achieved through individual efforts only and may require prioritization and action at the systems level. Future work is needed to explore barriers and facilitators to enacting engagement practices, in order to develop and test strategies to support practice change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eating, drinking and swallowing (EDS) difficulties are important to identify early. Awareness of EDS changes starts with those living with dementia or their family carers. However, little is known about early identification from the perspective of people with dementia. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand the experience of EDS by people living with dementia in their own home. Methods: Published evidence pertaining to EDS difficulties in dementia was used to inform an online semi‐structured interview guide. Four people living with dementia and a third‐sector Empowerment Lead were invited to become co‐researchers. People living with dementia and their carers were invited to be interviewed. We enquired about their past and present experiences, and future expected changes in EDS, information needs, opinions on early problem identification, and lifestyle modifications following onset of EDS difficulty. Narrative concepts of heroes and villains in their 'stories' were identified. Responses were subjected to framework analysis informed by narrative enquiry. Results: Seven people living with dementia and five family carers were interviewed. The overarching theme was a 'missed connection' between EDS difficulty and dementia. Where EDS difficulties were identified, 'compensatory changes' and a need for 'access to information' were noted. Conclusions: The connection between potential EDS difficulties and a dementia diagnosis may not be made, even though EDS changes were recognised by people living with dementia and their family carers. This may be explained by behaviours that mask problems or allow individuals to cope or compensate. Reduced awareness may also be due to inadequate access to information and lack of specialist services. If the connection between dementia and EDS difficulty is missed it could further delay access to support services. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: The prevalence of dementia is increasing and is expected to affect 9% of the population by 2040. EDS difficulties are common in people living with dementia and predispose to poorer outcomes. Better awareness of EDS changes early in the disease process of dementia or at preclinical stages can identify individuals at risk and allow for intervention prior to advanced EDS difficulties developing. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This paper reports the perspective of people living with dementia and family carers and provides insights into experiences of EDS and the challenges faced and identifies commonalities. The connection between potential EDS difficulties and dementia is missed despite various changes reported by both people living with dementia and their family carers, who tend to make compensatory lifestyle changes without support. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Lack of awareness of the connection between potential EDS difficulties and dementia may arise due to inadequate access to information to support people living with dementia and their family carers. Access to such information is needed and the quality assurance of information from reputable sources is important to people living with dementia. There is a need for greater service user awareness of signs of EDS difficulty and how to access specialist services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a rare condition that causes breathlessness and dyspnoea. Patients have reconstructive airway surgery to improve their breathing difficulties, but both LTS and the surgery can cause voice difficulties. The existing evidence base for management of voice difficulties for adults with LTS focuses on symptoms. There is limited information to provide clinical guidance for speech and language therapists (SLTs) and a limited understanding of the impact of voice changes on adults with LTS. Aim: To investigate the lived experience of adults with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), who have had reconstructive surgery; here focussing on voice concerns with the aim of guiding clinical care for SLTs. Methods and Procedures: A phenomenological, qualitative study design was used. Focus groups and semi‐structured interviews were completed with adults living with LTS who had had reconstructive surgery. Audio recordings were transcribed and inductive thematic analysis was used by the research team to identify themes and sub‐themes. Outcomes and Results: A total of 24 participants (five focus groups and two interviews) took part in the study before thematic saturation was identified in analysis. Three main themes were identified specific to the experience of living with LTS: the Medical, Physical and Emotional journey. All participants referenced voice difficulties as they related to each of these overall themes. Sub‐themes directly related to voice included experience of surgery, information provision, staff expertise/complacency, symptoms, symptom management, identity, support networks, impact on life and living with a chronic condition. Conclusions and Implications: In this qualitative study participants have described the integral part voice difficulties play in their lived experience of LTS and reconstructive surgery. This is considered in the context of their clinical care and the need for individualised management and information provision throughout the course of their condition. The broader research literature relating to voice difficulties is explored with links made to people with LTS and recommendations made for future research into people living with LTS and dysphonia. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject: Adults with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) experience voice changes as a result of their condition, and the surgeries necessary as a treatment. These changes can lead to altered pitch, vocal fatigue, loss of pitch range and loss of volume control. Although there are known psychosocial implications both to living with a chronic condition and voice difficulties there has been no research exploring this in adults with LTS, and there is minimal clinical guidance for speech and language therapists (SLTs) working with these patients. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This research is the first study to explore the lived experience of adults with LTS who undergo reconstructive surgery, focusing on their voice concerns. This study demonstrates the multifactorial impacts of voice changes on all aspects of the lives of adults with LTS and the need for individualised information provision and clinical care to help support them. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Adults with LTS want expert SLTs to facilitate their care and support them throughout their LTS journey alongside other support networks. They want to be carefully prepared for reconstructive surgery and given clear information about symptoms and management of their voice difficulties. This has led to the reorganisation of the care pathway at our centre, and the introduction of a patient‐led pretreatment session. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a condition which affects an individual's ability to use and understand language. Terminological confusion, and the use of non‐evidence‐based diagnostic criteria has impacted access to services for this population for several decades. Changes in terminology and diagnosis were proposed as part of a UK‐based consensus study, Criteria and Terminology Applied to Language Impairments (CATALISE), in 2016 and 2017. Since the publication of the recommendations, there have been active efforts across several English‐speaking countries to support uptake of these recommendations into policy and practice. Aims: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of individuals who have been leading the dissemination of the CATALISE recommendations since their publication in 2017. The study was undertaken to inform future implementation efforts aimed at facilitating the adoption of the recommendations into policy and practice. Methods & Procedures: Researchers, practitioners and parents from nine countries were recruited to the study (n = 27). Online focus groups and semi‐structured interviews were conducted using topic guides informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Preliminary findings were member‐checked prior to completion of the analysis. Outcomes & Results: CATALISE recommendations were described as partially adopted by participants. Dissemination strategies included building a coalition, conducting educational meetings, and developing educational materials. Common barriers to implementation related to the complexity and compatibility of the recommendations, and practitioner confidence. Four themes were identified across the data set to guide future implementation efforts: (a) ride the wave, craft the narrative (b) reach across the divide, be brave (c) create space for multiple voices and, (d) support for speech and language therapistss on the front line. Conclusions & Implications: Individuals with DLD and their families should be included in future implementation planning. Engaged leadership is essential to address issues of complexity, compatibility, sustainability and practitioner confidence if CATALISE recommendations are to be integrated into service workflow and processes. Implementation science can provide a useful lens to progress future research in this area. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Dissemination efforts have been undertaken to facilitate the uptake of recommendations from a UK‐based consensus study (CATALISE) in relation to developmental language disorder since publication across several countries. What this study adds to existing knowledge: The required changes in diagnostic practice are complex to implement. A lack of compatibility with healthcare processes and low practitioner self‐efficacy were also identified as a challenge to implementation. What are the potential or actual clinical observations of this work?: Parents and individuals with developmental language disorder need to be engaged as partners in future implementation planning. Organisational leaders need to facilitate the contextual integration of the changes within service systems. Speech and language therapists require ongoing case‐based opportunities to enhance their confidence and clinical reasoning skills to implement CATALISE recommendations successfully in their everyday practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early childhood teachers (ECTs) play a significant role in equipping children with oral language and emergent literacy skills ahead of school entry. They are well positioned to play a vital role in ensuring preschool children receive a high‐quality preschool curriculum to prepare them for later literacy learning. Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore early career ECTs' views and confidence regarding their role in providing preschoolers with oral language and emergent literacy support and to examine their perceptions of their preservice preparation. Methods & Procedures: Nine Australian early career ECTs were recruited via purposive sampling for an in‐depth, semi‐structured interview. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Outcomes & Results: Participants attached strong significance to their role in facilitating children's oral language growth and emergent literacy skills and reported a range of practices to support children's learning. However, they rarely referred to using established language facilitation strategies or using dialogic book reading prompts. Further, emergent literacy concepts such as phonological awareness and print awareness were not routinely described as features of participants' classroom activities. Participants did not consistently make a clear conceptual distinction between the constructs of oral language and emergent literacy and often used these terms interchangeably. Notably, participants indicated that they did not feel confident in their ability to identify preschool children who were not meeting developmental language milestones and reported that they felt poorly equipped to do so by their preservice training. Conclusions & Implications: ECTs' strong willingness to support preschool children's oral language and emergent literacy skills may be hindered by gaps in their knowledge; these may contribute to important and missed opportunities for identifying and supporting preschoolers' oral language and emergent literacy growth. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject?: High‐quality learning experiences in preschool are important for maximising preschoolers' oral language and emergent literacy growth. Early childhood teachers can play an important role in facilitating this development and preparing children for later literacy learning. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: The study findings provide insight into ECTs' perceptions of their role and support in developing children's oral language and emergent literacy skills. The results indicated ECTs did not feel confident with their knowledge of children's language milestones or identifying children with language difficulties. Participants reported that their preservice training left them underprepared in the area of oral language. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: ECTs demonstrated a strong willingness to support preschoolers' oral language and emergent literacy skills. However, their self‐reported knowledge gaps and low confidence may have implications for the early detection of children who are not reaching language developmental milestones in a timely way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Written communication has become an increasingly important part of everyday life in social, educational and professional spheres. The substantial increase in writing via the internet and mobile technologies provides both an opportunity for social engagement and distinct challenges for people with aphasia. Within the current literature there has been limited research into the lived experiences of people with aphasia of their writing difficulties and how these affect their ability to communicate. Aims: This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of people with aphasia of living with language‐related writing difficulties and the impact of these on their lives. Methods & Procedures: Eight people with post‐stroke aphasia and writing difficulties took part in semi‐structured interviews. The interviews were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Outcomes & Results: Two themes were found in the data. The first theme was a gradual and effortful improvement to writing: Participants described how writing had improved since their stroke due to strategies and support, but they still found writing to be difficult and frustrating and described many barriers to writing. The second theme was the importance of writing for fulfilling adult social roles: Participants found writing to be important for communicating with family, friends and organizations, but their participation in society and self‐esteem and confidence were impacted by writing difficulties; reduced social roles meant reduced need for writing, but participants were still motivated to work towards writing goals. Conclusions & Implications: The findings demonstrate the emerging importance of writing skills for people with aphasia with respect to communication, well‐being, participation and inclusion in society, and carrying out social roles. They provide an insight into the process of improvement, including the difficulties, facilitators and barriers. Implications for speech and language therapy assessment and management are discussed. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: People with aphasia have difficulties with writing that can affect their ability to communicate. A small body of qualitative research has provided insights into individuals' experiences of literacy difficulties. More research is needed to understand the writing experiences of people with aphasia to help design appropriate assessments and interventions. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: Participants experienced gradual and effortful improvement since their stroke. They felt negative about aspects of their writing, including speed, accuracy and range of vocabulary. Writing was facilitated through assistive technologies, spelling practice and support from others; barriers included technology, lack of time, stroke‐related symptoms and others' lack of awareness about aphasia. Participants considered writing skills to be important, particularly for communication, carrying out adult social roles and participating in society, and were therefore still working towards goals related to everyday writing activities. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This study suggests that speech and language therapy assessment should include interviewing participants about their activities, strengths, difficulties, facilitators and barriers in writing, and informal assessment of a range of functional writing tasks. Intervention should be tailored to the individual's needs. This should include meaningful activities that relate to functional everyday writing and, where appropriate, self‐management, compensatory technologies and group approaches, while making use of existing strategies identified by the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social media is increasingly used by young people, including those with communication disability. To date, though, little is known about how speech–language therapists (SLTs) support the social media use of young people with communication disability. Aims: To explore what services SLTs provide to facilitate the social media use of young people with communication disability, including what these services look like, and the factors that impact SLTs' professional practices. Methods & Procedures: A sequential mixed methods approach was employed including an online survey and in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. Participants were qualified practising SLTs in Australia with a caseload that included clients aged 12–16 years. Quantitative data were analysed with SPSS. A thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted with NVivo. Outcomes & Results: Survey responses from 61 SLTs were analysed. Interviews were conducted with 16 participants. Survey data indicated that SLTs do not systematically assess or treat young people's use of social media as part of their professional practice. Interview data revealed that where SLTs do support young people's use of social media, they transfer knowledge and practices typically used in offline contexts to underpin their work supporting clients' use of social media. In terms of factors that affect SLTs' practices, three major themes were identified: client/family factors, SLT factors, and societal factors. Conclusions & Implications: While young people with communication disability may desire digital participation in social media spaces, SLTs' current professional practices do not routinely address this need. Professional practice guidelines would support SLTs' practices in this area. Future research should seek the opinions of young people with communication disability regarding their use of social media, and the role of SLTs in facilitating this. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Young people with communication disability use social media, but digital inequality means that they may not do so to the same extent as their typically developing peers. Services targeting a young person's social media use is within the SLT scope of practice. Whether or not SLTs routinely address the social media use of young people with communication disability as part of their professional practice is unknown. What this study adds to existing knowledge: This study found that SLTs in Australia do not systematically provide professional services targeting young people's use of social media. When services do address a young person's use of social media, knowledge and practices typically used by SLTs in offline contexts are adapted to support their work targeting online social media contexts. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This study indicates that SLTs should consider a range of factors when deciding whether to address a young person's social media use. Adapting existing offline professional practices to online environments could support SLTs' work in providing services targeting social media use. Professional practice guidelines would support SLTs' work facilitating the social media use of young people with communication disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with post‐stroke aphasia (PWA) are more likely to experience serious mood disorders compared with those without. Emotional regulation may be important for influencing life participation after stroke. Understanding emotional regulation in the context of aphasia is important for promoting personally defined recovery, psychological well‐being and life participation. Aims: To explore how individuals experience and regulate negative emotional responses to aphasia as part of re‐engaging with life. Methods & Procedures: In‐depth semi‐structured qualitative interviews with 14 PWA were conducted. The focus and design were developed with public and patient involvement contributors. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied. Outcomes & Results: Analysis generated three themes, which captured inherent diversity across participants in terms of emotional experiences, responses and regulation strategies: (1) emotional upheaval at all stages of recovery; (2) regulating emotional upheaval; and (3) discerning possibilities for life participation. Emotional regulation occurred both within and without the context of formal support services. Conclusions & Implications: Individuals may be differently (en)abled in responding positively, with implications for aphasia psychological support and self‐management interventions. The findings may inform future interventions to optimize well‐being and personally meaningful outcomes for PWA. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: PWA experience significant psychosocial upheaval and are at risk of mood disorders. Emotional regulation may be important for influencing one's emotional state, social participation and relationships after stroke. There is a need to better understand the ways in which PWA experience and regulate their emotions to develop better support for personally defined recovery. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: PWA may experience significant and pervasive mood disorders in the long term after stroke. This may be compounded by worries for their children's well‐being. Some, but not all, regulate emotions by drawing on positivity, determination, gratitude or stoicism. Having (supportive) opportunities to experience the impact of aphasia is important for discerning helpful strategies and participation opportunities. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Confronting altered abilities requires supportive, responsive opportunities sensitive to emotional responses. Opportunities for peer support and/or meaningful emotional support and compassion from family and friends are important therapeutic targets. Therapeutic input should pay attention to any familial and parenting concerns that may be compounding low mood. Although emotional regulation and recovery may occur without formal support, mental health services must be organized in such a way that PWA can access as needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laryngeal dystonia (LD), or spasmodic dysphonia (SD), is a neurological disorder characterized by focal dystonia or involuntary spasms of the laryngeal muscles and associated voice symptoms. It is typically treated with injection of botulinum toxin (BoNT) that weakens the affected muscles. Aims: The primary purpose of this qualitative study was to explore participants' experience of living with LD and BoNT treatment. The secondary purpose was to examine those experiences as a function of participants' scores on the Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB). Results will enhance our understanding of restrictions in communicative participation, assist in planning intervention targeting these restrictions and aid in clinical interpretation of CPIB scores. Methods & Procedures: Semi‐structured interviews using a phenomenological tradition and focusing on BoNT treatment and communicative participation were conducted with 26 people with LD who are on established BoNT treatment regimens. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed inductively. Participants were categorized by CPIB scores into groups ranging from none to extensive participation restrictions. Both self‐ and expert ratings of voice were obtained. Outcomes & Results: Participants with different levels of CPIB scores had different experiences related to communicative participation in the context of BoNT treatment. These differences were organized into the following topics: BoNT and voice; attitudes toward participation; coping strategies; and advice. For all participants except those in the least restricted and most restricted groups, expert ratings of voice did not relate to CPIB scores. Conclusions & Implications: Although most participants report improved voice with BoNT treatment, many participants experienced lingering restrictions in communicative participation, some to a severe extent. Participants reported coping with these restrictions in many ways; some of these strategies were more successful than others. Those with restricted participation recommended more support for daily life and the emotional toll of LD, as well as support for family members. This support might be offered by speech–language pathologists. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Participants with different levels of CPIB scores had different experiences related to communicative participation in the context of BoNT treatment. What this study adds to the existing knowledge: Although most participants report improved voice with BoNT treatment, many participants experienced lingering restrictions in communicative participation, some to a severe extent. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: SLP services that take a participation‐focused approach to intervention and use multi‐factorial approaches to help clients maximize their life participation in the context of LD are well within the SLP scope of practice. SLPs can help clients find and use their optimal voices within the constraints of the dystonia and BoNT effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]