As practitioners, we constantly seek ways to enhance our skills and provide better support to those we serve. The research paper titled "Évaluation de la communication fonctionnelle des personnes aphasiques: avantages et limites de l'échelle de communication verbale de Bordeaux†offers valuable insights into assessing and improving communication in individuals with aphasia. Here's a closer look at how we can implement these findings in our practice.
Understanding the Bordeaux Verbal Communication Scale (ECVB)
The ECVB is a tool designed to evaluate the functional communication abilities of individuals with aphasia in everyday life. It considers both the individual's perspective and that of their close relatives, providing a comprehensive view of their communication skills.
Key Findings from the Research
The study highlights several important outcomes:
- The ECVB can effectively measure communication abilities, but it has limitations when used with individuals who have significant comprehension deficits.
- There is often a strong correlation between the self-assessment scores of individuals with aphasia and the assessments made by their relatives.
- Adapting the ECVB to include pictograms and written supports can enhance its usability for those with comprehension challenges.
Implementing the Findings in Practice
Based on these findings, here are some strategies to enhance your practice:
- Use Pictograms: Incorporate visual aids such as pictograms to support comprehension during assessments. This can help individuals better understand the questions and provide more accurate responses.
- Involve Relatives: When possible, include input from close relatives in the assessment process. Their insights can provide a fuller picture of the individual's communication abilities and challenges.
- Adapt Assessment Tools: Consider modifying existing tools to better suit the needs of individuals with comprehension deficits. Simple changes, such as rephrasing questions or providing written supports, can make a significant difference.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for ongoing research to refine and validate assessment tools. As practitioners, staying informed about the latest research and being open to new methods can greatly enhance our ability to support individuals with aphasia.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Évaluation de la communication fonctionnelle des personnes aphasiques : avantages et limites de l'échelle de communication verbale de Bordeaux.
