“We just thought that this was Christmas”: perceived benefits of participating in aphasia, stroke, and other groups

Abstract

Background: Research on the benefits of group participation for adults with aphasia poststroke has tended to focus on interventions led by speech–language therapists (SLTs). Over the course of their lives after a stroke, however, individuals with aphasia may participate in a variety of types of groups including peer-facilitated aphasia, volunteer-facilitated aphasia, stroke, and general groups.Aims: The study explored the benefits for adults with aphasia of all the groups they had chosen to participate in poststroke, as perceived by the individuals with aphasia and their family members (FMs).Methods & Procedures: A qualitative descriptive approach was used to address the research aim. The first author conducted semistructured interviews with 10 adults with aphasia and six of their FMs. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify codes and categories of perceived benefits.Outcomes & Results: Analysis revealed 25 perceived benefits of participating in groups for adults with aphasia that fell into five categories: psychosocial, communication, participation, information, and other. These benefits varied depending on whether the group was an SLT-facilitated aphasia, peer-facilitated aphasia, volunteer-facilitated aphasia, stroke, or general group.Conclusions: The investigation reinforces the importance of ensuring that a broad range of well-facilitated group options are available for adults with aphasia to participate in, if they wish, over the course of their lives poststroke.