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Communication interventions for individuals with acquired brain injury
Mandy Jenkins Rispoli1, Wendy Machalicek, Russell Lang
1Texas A & M University, Educational Psychology, College Station, Texas 77843-4225, USA. mrispoli@tamu.edu
Developmental Neurorehabilitation
|March 13, 2010
Summary
This review of communication interventions for acquired brain injury (ABI) found positive outcomes in 57% of studies. However, the overall evidence base remains inconclusive due to limited conclusive research and participant numbers.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Communication Sciences
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Acquired brain injury (ABI) frequently results in communication impairments.
- Effective communication interventions are crucial for improving quality of life in individuals with ABI.
- A synthesis of existing research is needed to guide future intervention development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize studies on communication interventions for individuals with ABI.
- To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of various communication intervention approaches.
- To assess the certainty of evidence supporting these interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature searches were conducted across electronic databases, journals, and reference lists.
- Twenty-one studies meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed.
- Studies were evaluated based on participant demographics, communication modes, targeted skills, intervention procedures, results, and evidence certainty.
Main Results:
- A total of 184 participants (aged 4-86 years) received interventions targeting diverse communication skills.
- Intervention approaches included systematic/direct instruction, discussion, role-play, or were not clearly described.
- Positive outcomes were reported in 57% of the studies, with only three studies deemed conclusive.
Conclusions:
- The current literature base on communication interventions for ABI is considered inconclusive.
- Limitations include a lack of conclusive studies, a limited number of participants, and insufficient replication of intervention approaches.
- Further high-quality research with larger sample sizes and standardized methodologies is warranted.
