Top ten research priorities relating to long-term aphasia following stroke – research gathered from people with aphasia, caregivers and speech and language therapists

Aim: The purpose of this research project was to determine the top ten research priorities relating to long-term aphasia following stroke. Background: This project is a follow up study to Pollock and colleagues (2012) paper, which used the James Lind Alliance (JLA) methodology to attain the top ten research priorities to life after stroke. The JLA is a UK health initiative which ensures meaningful client and clinician involvement in research priority setting. Method: A questionnaire was developed comprising of thirty four research uncertainties relating to aphasia, derived from the Pollock study. Data was gathered from forty six participants, comprising of people with aphasia (PWA), carers and speech and language therapists (SLT). The questionnaire was administered using face-to-face meetings, mail and e-mail. Participants were asked to identify and rank their personal top ten research uncertainties. The overall combined top ten priorities were identified. Results: The top four research priorities related to determining ‘specific treatments’ and ‘service delivery’ including the best treatment ‘time’, ‘amount’ and ‘intensity’ for aphasia. A further three questions related to enhancing communication with someone with aphasia, with the rest falling under headings such as ‘carers and families’, and ‘aphasia and cognition’. The top two research priorities were identified in each participating groups top ten. The overall SLT group’s research priorities differed considerably from those of the PWA group. An extensive research of the literature highlighted a lack of relevant literature associated with these top ten research questions. Conclusion: The top ten research priorities relating to life with aphasia have been identified using a systematic and person-centred approach. It is hoped that these findings will allow for greater funding for future research relating to life with aphasia following a stroke.