Interprofessional Experiences and Roles of Healthcare Professionals in Early Support for Semantic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: How nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, and speech-language therapists in Japan understand their respective roles and collaborate, particularly in the early stages of semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, has not been sufficiently investigated. AIMS: To clarify the experiences and professional roles of healthcare providers supporting individuals with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia and their families during the disease's early stages. METHODS & PROCEDURES: A qualitative descriptive study using a content analysis approach was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten healthcare professionals who had experience providing care to individuals with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia and their families. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively using qualitative content analysis. Data were collected in hospital-based outpatient settings in Japan between October 2018 and April 2020. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Four main categories were identified: (1) empathic understanding of the challenges individuals with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia and their families face in comprehending the disease and the need for structured rehabilitation; (2) supporting daily routines and family communication through structured rehabilitation; (3) promoting emotional stability and continuity of daily living through early intervention; and (4) connecting professional expertise across disciplines to support individuals based on a shared understanding. Participants described the challenges families face in accepting the need for early intervention and emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in addressing emotional, communicative, and functional difficulties. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: Care for individuals with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia requires early, structured rehabilitation embedded within a multidisciplinary framework. Clear role delineation and shared understanding among healthcare professionals are essential for effective support. Strengthening interprofessional collaboration and establishing accessible pathways for early support may help maintain daily functioning, reduce caregiver burden, and improve quality of life. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by semantic impairments that significantly affect communication and daily functioning. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary involvement in supporting people with svPPA and their families. Research has also described the roles of individual professions in dementia care. Internationally, multidisciplinary team (MDT) involvement is advocated to address the diverse needs of people with young-onset dementia, emphasizing age-appropriate services and continuity of care. However, limited qualitative research has examined how healthcare professionals from different disciplines collaborate in the early stages of svPPA and how their roles are experienced in practice. What this study adds to the existing knowledge This study provides an in-depth qualitative exploration of interprofessional experiences and roles in the early support of people with svPPA. It highlights how healthcare professionals from different disciplines perceive their responsibilities, collaborate across professional boundaries, and adapt their practices to meet the complex needs of individuals with svPPA and their families. The findings reveal both facilitators and challenges of interprofessional collaboration in early svPPA care, offering new insights into role coordination, communication, and shared decision-making that have been underexplored in previous research. What are the clinical implications of this study? The findings underscore the importance of early and coordinated interprofessional collaboration in svPPA care. Clarifying professional roles and fostering effective communication among healthcare professionals may enhance continuity of care and support for individuals with svPPA and their families. The study suggests that nurses and allied health professionals play key roles in bridging disciplines and responding to evolving needs. These insights can inform the development of interprofessional education, service models, and clinical guidelines aimed at improving early support for people living with svPPA.