Experiences of people with aphasia during emergencies
What did the researchers aim to find out?
What do people with aphasia do in an emergency?
What type of research was done?
Online survey
Results of the research
Twelve (12) people answered the survey.
Most people said they had a medical emergency. Others talked about a disaster or other crisis.
Many found it hard to get help (58%). Even more found it hard to explain what was happening (90%). Most people use communication aids or strategies in daily life. But most did not use them during the emergency.
People felt anxious and unsafe. They also felt they had to rely on family to get through the emergency.
Some people took steps to get ready for the next emergency. For example, they made communication cards. Some also saved medical information on their phone.
People also said emergency workers need better training. They want workers to learn how to communicate with people with aphasia. This training should cover before, during, and after emergencies.
Why was the research done?
The research was done to learn four (4) things:
1) communication barriers faced by people with aphasia
2) strategies people used in an emergency
3) emotional and practical impacts of these experiences
4) if people feel ready for emergencies in the future.
What does the research mean for me and others?
Being able to communicate is very important during an emergency.
This study shows some risks that we can fix.
Speech pathologists can help people be more ready for emergencies.
We need new tools, training and planning made together with people with aphasia.
This will help with communication access.
It will also help the emotional wellbeing of people with aphasia and their families.
This support is needed before, during, and after emergencies.
What research methods were used?
Online survey
How to obtain the treatment detailed in the research?
There was no treatment provided in this study.
Background information on the research topic
Communication is very important in an emergency. People need to understand risks, make decisions, and tell others what they need right away.
Some people have trouble communicating, such as people with aphasia. This can make emergencies more dangerous for them.
Not much research has looked at how communication problems affect risk, response, and recovery during emergencies.
Risks related to the research
None
Who was allowed to take part in the research?
Adults with aphasia.
Living in Australia.
Experienced an emergency since living with aphasia
Information about the people who took part
Twelve (12) people with aphasia.
Everyone had different communication challenges.
Why was the research done this way?
We wanted to hear from people all over Australia.
When was the research done?
2024
Where was the research done?
Australia
Where did the money come from?
This study was not funded.
Problems with the research
This was a small study so the finding might not apply to everyone with aphasia.
Is the research trustworthy?
This research has been peer-reviewed.
This means other researchers checked that the methods and findings were appropriate.
Next steps
We need to work together to prepare for future emergencies.
