Collaborative Referencing Intervention (CRI) in Aphasia: A Replication and Extension of the Phase II Efficacy Study

Area of Science:

• Neurolinguistics
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Aphasia, a communication disorder resulting from brain damage, often impairs language abilities.
• Collaborative Referencing Intervention (CRI) has shown promise in improving naming abilities in individuals with aphasia (PWAs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate and extend a previous study on CRI by examining its effects on dyadic conversations and communication confidence in PWAs.
• To assess the impact of CRI on confrontation naming, conversational dynamics, and self-perceived communication confidence.

Main Methods:

• A single-case experimental study design with a multiple-probe approach was employed.
• Participants underwent preparatory, baseline, CRI intervention, and maintenance sessions.
• Dependent variables included confrontation naming probes, the Communication Confidence Rating Scale for Aphasia (CCRSA), and recorded dyadic conversations.

Main Results:

• Significant positive treatment effects were observed in confrontation naming, aligning with prior research.
• Conversational analysis revealed improvements in trouble sources and repairs with the clinician, but not in correct information units (CIUconv).
• Participants reported increased perceived communication confidence following the CRI intervention.

Conclusions:

• CRI is a potentially effective intervention for individuals with aphasia, showing benefits beyond naming.
• The intervention demonstrates positive impacts on conversational skills and self-reported communication confidence.
• Further research is warranted to strengthen the evidence base for CRI in aphasia rehabilitation.