Speech Pathology research

The Speech Pathology Department has been participating in an NHMRC-funded Australia-wide project, led by Professor Beth Armstrong at Western Australia’s Edith Cowan University, evaluating the efficacy of early intervention in aphasia rehabilitation after stroke.

Work has been undertaken within the Stroke Unit with ten Alfred Health Speech Pathologists participating in the study across acute, subacute and community services.

Known as the VERSE project (very early rehabilitation in speech), the study investigates whether intensive, early aphasia therapy results in better communication outcomes for stroke patients and aims to accurately cost intensive aphasia therapy.

Participants with aphasia are recruited within 14 days post stroke and are randomised to one of three groups: usual care; usual care plus additional therapy sessions; or, a standardised aphasia therapy program from independent speech pathologists. Patients are evaluated at 12 and 26 weeks post stroke after five weeks of therapy. The NHMRC has funded the study from 2013 to 2015.

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Publications

An exploratory prospective study of the association between return to work/study and health and well-being outcomes after acquired brain injury

Schneider EJ, Lawlor K, Roberts E, McMahon K, Solomon L, Austrin N, Lannin NL

(2020), Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech Pathology, 22(1), 48-52

What is it like to have your loved one with a severe brain injury come to rehabilitation? The experiences of significant others

Checklin M, Fernon D, Soumilas J, Stephens D

(2020), Disability and Rehabilitation, 42(6), 788-97

DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1510042

Cognitive-communication difficulties following traumatic brain injury sustained in older adulthood: a scoping review

Shorland J, Douglas J, O'Halloran R

(2020), International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 55(6), 821-36

DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12560

View all publications for Speech Pathology research