Poster Presentation Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation Conference 2026

‘Vocational rehabilitation must be multi-disciplinary and involve the workplace’ – Aphasia rehabilitation after stroke: An international survey of clinical practice. (#150)

Penni Burfein 1 , David Copland 1 , Lisa Anemaat 1 , Emmah Doig 1
  1. University of Queensland, Herston, QUEENSLAND, Australia

Background/Aims: People with post-stroke aphasia return to work less often compared to those without aphasia1. To optimize meaningful occupational participation, international stroke guidelines recommend access to vocational rehabilitation (VR). However, there are knowledge gaps about VR tailored to people with aphasia2. This survey aimed to identify the practice, views, knowledge and confidence of health professionals; and explore perceived barriers and enablers to delivering work-focused interventions.

 

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey design was used. The novel survey incorporated multiple question formats and was distributed internationally. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis3.

 

Results:

Data were analysed from 86 eligible respondents from six countries (64.3% Australians). Respondents represented six professions, primarily speech pathologists (70.9%) and occupational therapists (16.3%). Vocational aphasia assessment consistently included collaboration with family (92.7%) and informal measures of language ability and function (86.6%). Functional communication therapy and simulation of work-related tasks were routinely provided (>85%). However, workplace interventions including stroke/aphasia education (53.7%), employer liaison (47.6%), and work visits (32.9%) were less common. Almost 75% of respondents reported an inability to provide sufficient work-focused rehabilitation for people with aphasia. Most respondents identified low levels of confidence and knowledge to deliver VR and a need for aphasia-specific vocational training and resources. A lack of VR funding was frequently described as a barrier.

 

Conclusion:

Results suggest people with aphasia have reduced access to funded and comprehensive work-focused rehabilitation. To inform clinical practice and optimize work outcomes, targeted vocational aphasia rehabilitation research, education and resources are needed.

  1. 1. Burfein, P., Roxbury, T., Doig, E. J., McSween, M. P., de Silva, N., & Copland, D. A. (2025). Return to work for stroke survivors with aphasia: A quantitative scoping review. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 35(5), 1081-1115. https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2024.2381874
  2. 2. Burton, B., Isaacs, M., Brogan, E., Shrubsole, K., Kilkenny, M. F., Power, E., Godecke, E., Cadilhac, D. A., Copland, D., & Wallace, S. J. (2023). An updated systematic review of stroke clinical practice guidelines to inform aphasia management. International Journal of Stroke, 18(9), 1029-1039. https://doi.org/10.1177/17474930231161454
  3. 3. Graneheim, U. H., & Lundman, B. (2004). Qualitative content analysis in nursing research: Concepts, procedures and measures to achieve trustworthiness. Nurse Education Today, 24(2), 105-112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2003.10.001