Practicing Clinicians' Views of the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia Therapy

The Life Participation Approach to Aphasia therapy (LPAA) aligns with a person-centered, functional approach to speech therapy. Past research has demonstrated that persons with aphasia (PWA) benefit from this approach and prefer it when compared to the traditional medical model to therapy. However, a disconnect between PWA preferences and SLP treatment approaches in therapy persists. This study aims to identify both barriers and facilitators that SLPs face when implementing LPAA. Five CCC-SLPs practicing in the state of KY with experience working with PWA were recruited as participants. Participants were placed into two focus groups, with each group meeting for 2-3 sessions. During sessions, topics related to LPAA implementation were discussed. Data from these meetings served to provide information on various facilitators and barriers to LPAA implementation. Findings revealed common barriers and facilitators to implementation across clinical settings. Common facilitators included factors such as collaboration with family members and other professionals, mental health screenings, patient-reported outcome measures, and group therapy. Common barriers included factors such as time constraints, fluctuating medical status, collaboration difficulties, reduced access to continuing education, documentation, administrative expectations, and caregiver/PWA lack of involvement. These findings provide guidance for implementation of LPAA.