Research Article  |   March 2018
Occupational Therapy in an Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program: Performance and Satisfaction Outcomes
Anne A. Escher; Aditi M. Amlani; Angela M. Viani; Sue Berger
Author Affiliations
  • Anne A. Escher, OTD, OTR, is Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA; aaescher@bu.edu
  • Aditi M. Amlani, MS, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Stanford Health Care, ValleyCare, Pleasanton, CA. At the time of the study, she was Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA
  • Angela M. Viani, MS, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton, MA. At the time of the study, she was Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA
  • Sue Berger, PhD, OTR, is Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Rehabilitation, Participation, and Disability / Stroke / Research Articles
Research Article   |   March 2018
Occupational Therapy in an Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program: Performance and Satisfaction Outcomes
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March 2018, Vol. 72, 7203205110p1-7203205110p7. doi:10.5014/ajot.2018.026187
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March 2018, Vol. 72, 7203205110p1-7203205110p7. doi:10.5014/ajot.2018.026187
Abstract

In this study, we examined the effectiveness of a community-based, occupational therapy intervention situated within an intensive comprehensive aphasia program (ICAP). Occupational therapy interventions addressed goals of participants with chronic stroke and aphasia for improving their satisfaction with and performance of instrumental activities of daily living, social participation, leisure, work, and volunteer activities. Over 3 yr, 19 people with chronic stroke and aphasia participated in a month-long, intensive, interprofessional, community-based program. Significant improvement in participation in valued activities was demonstrated on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (p < .01), goal attainment scaling (p < .01), and two domains of the Stroke Impact Scale (p < .05). We conclude that occupational therapy using collaborative goal setting and problem solving as part of an interprofessional team may be an important component to include in ICAPs to address functional participation goals.