Telehealth Study Aims to Transform Aphasia Care in Rural Queensland

Researchers at the University of Queensland have launched a new study to deliver intensive speech therapy via telehealth, aiming to remove the burden of long-distance travel for patients in rural or remote areas.

The TeleCHAT Implementation Study delivers a Comprehensive High-dose Aphasia Treatment (CHAT) program via telehealth, with the goal of making specialized rehabilitation accessible regardless of location.

The study is a partnership between UQ's Queensland Aphasia Research Centre (QARC) and the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) at Metro North Health. The program is delivered by health professionals from within Brisbane's Herston Health Precinct.

About the Study

Dr. Jade Dignam from QARC stated that the study will recruit about 15 patients with post-stroke aphasia from across Queensland. It will evaluate an 8-week specialized intensive rehabilitation program delivered over a 12-month period.

The research will assess the integration of TeleCHAT into Queensland Health services and whether delivery via video call is a viable and effective method of care.

Three participants have already completed the first treatment block of 50 hours of therapy. According to Dr. Dignam, all participants reported high satisfaction with the virtual service and noted measurable improvements in both communication and confidence.

"All participants reported high satisfaction with the virtual service and noted improvements in communication and confidence," said Dr. Jade Dignam.

These improvements are being measured using a participant satisfaction survey and standardized language ability tests. Dr. Dignam confirmed that all therapy techniques were successfully adapted for online delivery.

Understanding Aphasia

Aphasia is a communication disorder affecting a person's ability to talk, understand speech, read, and write. It is most common in stroke survivors but can also occur after a brain injury, from a brain tumor, or as part of dementia.

It is crucial to note that the condition does not affect a person's intelligence, though it can significantly impact many aspects of daily life.

Global data indicates one in four people will have a stroke in their lifetime, and about one-third of those will be diagnosed with aphasia. Dr. Dignam emphasized the condition's profound impact, noting that people with aphasia often experience a lower quality of life compared to those with other common health disorders like dementia, cancer, and Parkinson's disease.

Building on Previous Success

The current TeleCHAT study builds on two previous research projects trialed at QARC, including an evaluation of the feasibility of delivering the program between 2021 and 2023.

Dr. Dignam cited pilot work published in late 2023, in which about 90% of CHAT participants made significant improvements in communication, confidence, and quality of life.

That pilot work also indicated a strong functional benefit, with many participants able to return to work or volunteering due to the skills developed during their therapy.