Cochrane, Frances, Siyambalapitiya, Samantha, and Cornwell, Petrea (2023) Assessment and rehabilitation of acquired communication disorders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with stroke or traumatic brain injury: a retrospective chart review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45 (7). pp. 1154-1164.

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Abstract

Purpose Speech-language pathologists’ (SLP) management practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with acquired communication disorder (ACD), following stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI), are not well understood. This study explores SLPs’ management approaches for ACDs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults post-stroke or TBI.

Materials and methods SLPs’ documented notes were analysed from a two-year retrospective medical record review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (≥18 years), admitted to a regional Queensland hospital with principal diagnoses of stroke or TBI.

Results SLPs frequently used informal approaches to assess ACDs. English-language formal assessment tools were also used in conjunction with the informal approaches. ACD diagnosis was more common in stroke than TBI patients. One-third of patients with ACD received inpatient rehabilitation at the study site. SLPs infrequently documented cultural or linguistic adaptions to assessment or interventions.

Conclusions Informal approaches to assess ACDs were commonly employed which may be because they are perceived to be more culturally appropriate. Clinical guidelines for stroke and TBI should accommodate the diversity of cultures and languages. Better consideration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communication styles and incorporation of these into SLP ACD management approaches may facilitate accurate diagnosis and culturally safe rehabilitation services.

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