Pilot study of the Comprehensive High-dose Aphasia Treatment (CHAT) program
What did the researchers aim to find out?
CHAT is a therapy program. CHAT involves a large amount of therapy (50 hours). The therapy addresses each person's goals. CHAT has been tested in a research setting. We wanted to know if CHAT works in a real-life hospital. We asked:
- do people get better after CHAT?
- do people like CHAT?
- can speech pathologists deliver CHAT in the hospital?
What type of research was done?
This was a feasibility study. This means we tested something new (CHAT) on a small group to see if it was a good idea. This was also an implementation study. This means we tested CHAT in a 'real-world' setting.
Results of the research
Speech pathologists were able to deliver CHAT. People with aphasia liked CHAT. People with aphasia made therapy gains. The speech pathologists got tired delivering CHAT. The speech pathologists found it hard to book lots of appointments.
Why was the research done?
We want to know if CHAT is a good program for people with aphasia.
What does the research mean for me and others?
CHAT may work in a hospital. CHAT may improve communication. More research is needed.
What research methods were used?
People with aphasia did tests. Tests were done before and after therapy. Speech pathologists did surveys and interviews.
How to obtain the treatment detailed in the research?
The CHAT program is supported by the Queensland Aphasia Research Centre. Visit this website: https://shrs.uq.edu.au/qarc
Background information on the research topic
CHAT is a therapy program. CHAT involves a large amount of therapy (50 hours). The therapy addresses each person's goals. CHAT has been tested in a research setting. We wanted to know if CHAT works in a real-life hospital.
Risks related to the research
These results relate to one hospital.
Who was allowed to take part in the research?
People needed to be 1-month post stroke. People needed to speak English. People who had progressive conditions were not able to participate.
Information about the people who took part
There were 4 people with aphasia. All people had aphasia due to a stroke. All spoke English.
Why was the research done this way?
We tested in a small group. We need to do this before testing with more people.
When was the research done?
2020
Where was the research done?
Brisbane, Australia
Where did the money came from?
The University of Queensland
Problems with the research
We only tested CHAT with a small group. We had no control group. This means all people received CHAT.
Is the research trustworthy?
We used methods to check results were accurate. This is small study with 4 people with aphasia.
Next steps
To test CHAT in more hospitals. To test CHAT with more patients.
