Clinicians’ perceptions of delivering new models of high intensity aphasia treatment

ABSTRACTBackground: While evidence suggests that intensive aphasia therapy is associated with positive patient outcomes, speech language pathologists continue to report delivering therapy at low intensity schedules. Investigation of the barriers and enablers of delivering intensive therapy in hospital settings is needed to help address this evidence–practice gap.Aims: To explore clinicians’ perceptions of delivering high intensity aphasia treatment through three different service models and their recommendations for future directions in implementing high intensity aphasia clinics in a public health setting.Methods & Procedures: A sequential mixed methods design was employed. Thirteen speech language pathologists who provided intensive aphasia therapy to 31 patients across three facilities as part of a larger study consented to participate. Participants contributed to a log of barriers and facilitators while delivering treatment and completed a questionnaire in the last week of treatment. Findings were use...