Evaluation of a community of practice for speech-language pathologists in aphasia rehabilitation: a logic analysis

Abstract

Background Aphasia is a communication disorder affecting participation. Although there are evidence-based practice recommendations about participation and aphasia rehabilitation, it may be challenging for speech-language pathologists to ensure that rehabilitation activities have an impact on the person’s participation, in part due to time limitations. Participation remains limited after rehabilitation for persons who have aphasia. Communities of practice (CoPs) are a collaborative knowledge transfer strategy that can be used for evidence-based practice implementation. The aim of this study was to describe the components and evaluate a CoP for speech-language pathologists about participation and aphasia rehabilitation. Methods Logic analysis was used to determine the adequacy between resources, implemented activities, outputs and short-term outcomes of the CoP. Qualitative and quantitative descriptive data were collected through observation and participants’ logbooks. Outputs and outcomes of the CoP were revealed through thematic analysis and interpretation of descriptive statistics. Results Resources including CoP design and educational aims, human and material resources were combined to create various web-based, online and offline activities. Participants invested more time per week than expected in the CoP, shared and created clinical tools and appreciated the array of suggested activities. Participant engagement allowed them to reflect, interact and collaborate with each other. All 13 participants reported they acquired knowledge about clinical tools and 12 mentioned they reflected on their practice. While the CoP was ongoing, six participants noticed evidence-practice gaps, seven prepared to change their practice, and three changed their practice towards including more participation-based considerations. Conclusions This study showed that speech-language pathologists can include more participation-based approaches in aphasia rehabilitation as a result of participating in a time-bound, web-based CoP. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-019-4338-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programmes: a systematic scoping review and analysis using the TIDieR checklist for reporting interventions

“…It is not clear from the studies explored in this review how the key ingredients of the ICAP are thought to complement each other. Reporting of a logic model is advised when developing and evaluating complex interventions [165] and there is emerging evidence of the use of logic models in the field of SLT [166]. Future research leading from this review will develop a logic model for ICAPs.…”

Individual and organizational factors associated with evidence‐based practice among physical and occupational therapy recent graduates: A cross‐sectional national study

“…To address the issue of peer exchanges on matters pertaining to EBP, Rochette et al 58 suggested the use of professional networking to improve broader EBP competencies rather than targeting individual discrete skills. Communities of practice and mentorship by more seasoned professionals may also support professionals in this area once they enter practice 68‐70 …”

“…Communities of practice and mentorship by more seasoned professionals may also support professionals in this area once they enter practice. [68][69][70] When designing EBP curricula, OT and PT educators can implement multiple teaching methods and technologies such as mobile apps, simulation, and websites such as Stroke Engine (https://www. strokengine.ca).…”

Application of an Evaluation Framework for Extra-Organizational Communities of Practice: Assessment and Refinement

“…Depending on mandate, datacollection sources could be broadened to include non-CoP members and better inform analysis of value generated at the organizational, external stakeholder, and field levels. Depending on resources, the primarily qualitative approach could be extended to mixed methods approaches, similar to that applied in evaluating a rehabilitation CoP (Gauvreau, Le Dorze, Kairy, & Croteau, 2019) and radiation treatment program CoP (Glicksman et al, 2019), or quantitative indicators can show the different types of value created and for whom. More mi cro-level tools can be used for data collection and analysis.…”