Authors:
Armstrong E, Hersh D, Katzenellenbogen JM, Coffin J, Thompson SC, Ciccone N, et al.
Authors notes:
Brain Impairment. 2015;16(2):145-156
Keywords:
Aboriginal, acquired communication disorder, aphasia, Australia, dysarthria, health worker, rehabilitation, speech pathology, stroke, traumatic brain injury
Abstract:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians experience stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) with much greater frequency than non-Aboriginal Australians.
Acquired communication disorders (ACD) can result from these conditions and can significantly impact everyday life.
Yet few Aboriginal people access rehabilitation services and little is known about Aboriginal peoples' experiences of ACD.
This paper describes the protocol surrounding a study that aims to explore the extent and impact of ACD in Western Australian Aboriginal populations following stroke or TBI and develop a culturally appropriate screening tool for ACD and accessible and culturally appropriate service delivery models.
This study will address the extent of ACD in Aboriginal populations and document challenges for Aboriginal people in accessing speech pathology services.
Documenting the burden and impact of ACD within a culturally secure framework is a forerunner to developing better ways to address the problems faced by Aboriginal people with ACD and their families.
This will in turn increase the likelihood that Aboriginal people with ACD will be diagnosed and referred to professional support to improve their communication, quality of life and functioning within the family and community context.