Effects of a Telerehabilitation Group on Continuing Language Treatment after Participation in an Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP)

Aphasia is an acquired neurogenic language disorder encompassing oral and/or written language expression and comprehension affecting an estimated two- to two to four million people in the United States, (Simmons-Mackie, 2018; National Aphasia Association, 2016). The primary aim of the current study was to investigate an option for targeted intervention as a follow-up to an Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP). There is little research assessing maintenance of communication profile gains following conclusion of the ICAPs, and there are few options that exist as tailored ICAP follow-up programs or continued intervention guided by the ICAP principle features. To address this, a Tele-connect Aphasia Group (TAG) project was initiated to provide continuing intervention after ICAP via telerehabilitation group therapy. Following a formal language assessment via videoconference, six participants completed up to four one-hour aphasia group sessions via telerehabilitation, along with up to sixty minutes per week of individual sessions/coaching over telephone or videoconference, over the course of four weeks. Results demonstrate progress towards personalized communication goals by all six participants. Moreover, participants endorsed the benefit of continuing language therapy at home through participation in group telerehabilitation, especially when supplemented with individual meetings/sessions