Current Practices in the Assessment of Quality of Life in Individuals with Aphasia

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States are implementing recommendations regarding the assessment of quality of life (QoL) in persons with aphasia (PWA). Methods: A brief, anonymous survey was made available online using a web-based survey platform. Questions addressed demographics, training, importance of QoL assessment, current patterns of clinical practice, and perception of barriers. Data reported included frequency counts and percentages. Results: Sixty-two SLPs completed the survey in-part or in-full. The data suggest that the participants appreciate the importance of addressing QoL in PWA. Most participants indicated receiving instruction on QoL assessment in an academic setting, and about half reported completing continuing education on the topic. Interview and observation were most often used as the method of assessment, and few indicated using published measures. Information was elicited from a variety of sources, and QoL was most often assessed at the beginning and end of treatment, but seldom after discharge. QoL was less often assessed in those with severe and/or global aphasia. The most frequently reported barriers to assessing QoL were lack of training/knowledge and resources. Conclusions: It is hoped that these findings will help facilitate improved clinical care for persons with aphasia by encouraging SLPs to utilize currently available tools for assessing QoL in PWA and work to develop other tools and strategies for conducting QoL assessments throughout the rehabilitation process, including into the chronic stage of recovery, in order to optimize recovery.