‘Now it is about me having to learn something ….’ Partners’ experiences with a Dutch conversation partner training programme (PACT)

• Published in: International journal of language & communication disorders 2017-03, Vol.52 (2), p.143-154
• Main Authors: Wielaert, Sandra M., Berns, Philine, de Sandt‐Koenderman, Mieke W. M. E, Dammers, Nina, Sage, Karen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aphasia; Aphasia - psychology; Aphasia - rehabilitation; Aptitude; Awareness; Behavior; Caregivers; Communication; Communicative competence; Consumer Behavior; Content Analysis; Conversation; Dutch language; Experience; Female; Foreign Countries; Humans; Instructional Effectiveness; Interpersonal Communication; Interpersonal Relations; Language therapy; Learning; Male; Middle Aged; Netherlands; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); partner experience; partner roles; Patient Discharge; Psychological Patterns; qualitative content analysis; Qualitative Research; Reflection; rehabilitation; Semi Structured Interviews; Social Environment; Speech Language Pathology; Spouses - education; Spouses - psychology; Therapy; Training; Verbal Behavior; Verbal communication
• ISSN: 1368-2822; 1460-6984
• DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12248

Background The increase in the number of reported conversation partner programmes for conversation partners of people with aphasia demonstrates increased awareness of partner needs and the positive effect of trained partners on the communicative abilities of the person with aphasia. Predominantly small‐scale studies describe the effectiveness of conversation partner training (CPT) and how partners perceive this training. The view of partners on this service commission remains largely unknown. Aims To explore the experiences of partners of people with aphasia with a CPT programme when it was newly introduced into rehabilitation settings. Methods & Procedures Seventeen partners of people with aphasia were interviewed using a semi‐structured format about their experience with Partners of Aphasic Clients Conversation Training (PACT). Transcribed interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Outcomes & Results Four categories representative of the practical nature and individual tailoring of PACT were identified: engaging with PACT; learning from PACT; reflecting on behaviour and emotions; and experiences with earlier speech and language therapy (SLT). Two themes were identified cutting across all categories: the nature of communication is difficult to grasp; and balancing roles as partner, carer and client. Conclusions & Implications Partners appreciated the training programme once their initial lack of awareness of the interactive nature of communication had been addressed. SLTs need to be clear about the collaborative nature of conversations and what can be offered within the rehabilitation trajectory to address conversation alongside language training.