Reducing the impact of aphasia in stroke patients and their caregivers a year post onset via a brief early intervention: a cluster randomised control trial of the Aphasia Action Success Knowledge (ASK) program.

The Aphasia ASK intervention consists of a face to face intervention and follow-up phone calls provided by a speech pathologist up until 12 months post stroke. The intervention is for 6 to 8 weeks for an hour each week. The topics in the intervention include a number of modules and cover a range of areas including: caregiver training (e.g. communication partner training), education (on aphasia, successful coping strategies and support services) stress management, positive adaptive strategies, sharing of personal stories and developing peer-based support. The participants will be able to prioritise the order of modules based on their personal interest and needs. The prioritisation occurs during the module “getting started”. Each module is colour coded rather than numbered to assist with this process. The first session establishes the goals for the program using collaborative goal setting techniques. The goals form the basis for prioritising the modules that are covered in future weeks. For example, if the participant’s goal is to stay positive, there is a module on positive thinking that includes information about and practice on exercises for strategies which were drawn from the counselling literature. At the end of each module, further resources are recommended including community based options/programmes/resources. Goals are revisited each session. The modules are designed as a guide and should be incorporated with clinical skill and knowledge to ensure the program is person-centred. Aphasia ASK is to be delivered as individual sessions with only one participant with aphasia and their family member(s) involved at any one time. Follow-up monthly phone calls or visits (which ever method is suitable for the participants) will be made until 12 months post stroke. The follow up calls with revisit the participant goals set during the program and provide additional information and resources where necessary. An Aphasia ASK program manual has been written for the provider therapist and a separate aphasia friendly workbook has been written for the recipients. Recipients will receive the written materials prior to each session.