What do people with aphasia talk about with other people with aphasia? A qualitative analysis of topics discussed in the SUPERB peer-befriending scheme

Background and aims Improved language function and participation in conversation are important to people with aphasia. While words to target in aphasia therapies have been explored in research, the topics that feature in real-life conversations of people with aphasia have not. Supporting wellbeing through PEeR Befriending (SUPERB) was a feasibility trial that explored peer befriending for people with aphasia. As part of the trial, data were collected on the conversations that peer befrienders had with people with aphasia. The aim of the current study was to explore the topics discussed within these conversations.Methods People with aphasia were trained as peer befrienders (n = 10) and delivered a peer befriending intervention to people with aphasia recently discharged from hospital into the community (n = 28). Peer befrienders visited a person with aphasia up to six times over a 4-month period. For 20 dyads, one of the six visits was videorecorded. These 20 visits were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Framework Analysis to identify topics discussed.Results and main contribution Topics discussed covered five main areas: (1) stroke, aphasia and health; (2) shared stories; (3) friends and family; (4) within visit activities; (5) everyday activities and interests.Conclusions and implications Having a clearer understanding of the topics that are discussed by people with aphasia with peers may inform materials, tasks and discussion topics in aphasia therapies. Therapy can be focused on topics that are likely to facilitate participation in conversation, reflecting what people want from therapy post-stroke.