Communication partner training for SLT students: Changes in communication skills, knowledge and confidence

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Aphasia Rehabilitation
• Communication Sciences

Background:

• Effective communication is crucial for individuals with aphasia.
• Speech Language Therapy (SLT) students require specialized training to communicate effectively with People With Aphasia (PWA).
• Existing communication partner training programs may vary in their impact on student skills and confidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Training Con-tAct, a Dutch Communication Partner Training, on SLT students' communication skills, knowledge, and confidence when interacting with PWA.
• To assess the specific changes in students' ability to support, acknowledge, and check information during conversations with PWA.
• To explore students' perspectives on the training's motivation, content, structure, feedback, and learning experiences.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design with pre- and post-measures was employed.
• Nine second-year SLT students participated voluntarily in Training Con-tAct, with PWA as co-workers.
• Quantitative video analysis assessed communication skills, while self-report questionnaires measured knowledge and confidence. Focus group interviews gathered qualitative data on student experiences.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated significantly improved 'supporting' communication competence after the training.
• No significant improvements were observed in 'acknowledging' or 'checking information' competences.
• Questionnaire results indicated increased knowledge and confidence in communicating with PWA.
• Focus group insights detailed participant motivation, training effectiveness, and learning outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Training Con-tAct positively impacts SLT students' communication skills, aphasia knowledge, and confidence when interacting with PWA.
• The training program shows potential as a valuable addition to healthcare curricula, fostering interprofessional collaboration and improving care for communication-vulnerable individuals.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and control groups is recommended to validate these findings.