Results from a randomised controlled pilot study of the Better Conversations with Primary Progressive Aphasia (BCPPA) communication partner training program for people with PPA and their communication partners

Pilot and Feasibility Studies

Research

J. D Warren¹  H Walton²  S Beeke³  A Volkmer³  K Swinburn³  A Spector³ 

[1] Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK;Department of Applied Health Research, UCL, London, UK;Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK;

关键词: Dementia;    Primary progressive aphasia;    Communication partner training;    Communication;    Rehabilitation of speech and language disorders;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40814-023-01301-6

 received in 2022-10-24, accepted in 2023-04-13,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThere has been a growing focus on functional communication interventions for primary progressive aphasia (PPA). These interventions aim to support individuals to participate in life situations. One such intervention, communication partner training (CPT) aims to change conversation behaviours in both the person with PPA and their communication partner (CP). CPT has a growing evidence base in stroke aphasia; however, these programmes are not designed to meet the needs of people with progressive communication difficulties. To address this, the authors developed a CPT program entitled Better Conversations with PPA (BCPPA) and undertook a pilot trial to establish for a future full trial; predicted recruitment rates, acceptability, an assessment of treatment fidelity and an appropriate primary outcome measure.MethodologyThis was a single-blind, randomised controlled pilot study comparing BCPPA to no treatment, delivered across 11 National Health Service Trusts in the UK. A random sample of eight recordings of local collaborators delivering the intervention were analysed to examine fidelity. Participants completed feedback forms reporting on acceptability. Pre- and post-intervention measures targeted conversation behaviours, communication goals and quality of life.ResultsEighteen people with PPA and their CPs (9 randomised to BCPPA, 9 randomised to no treatment) completed the study. Participants in the intervention group rated BCPPA positively. Treatment fidelity was 87.2%. Twenty-nine of 30 intervention goals were achieved or over-achieved and 16 of 30 coded conversation behaviours demonstrated change in the intended direction. The Aphasia Impact Questionnaire was identified as the preferred outcome measure.ConclusionThe first randomised controlled UK pilot study of a CPT program for people with PPA and their families demonstrates BCPPA is a promising intervention. The intervention was acceptable, treatment fidelity high and an appropriate measure identified. Results of this study indicate a future RCT of BCPPA is feasible.Trial registrationRegistered 28/02/2018 ISRCTN10148247.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023

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