Journal article
A modified empowerment evaluation to promote the sustainability of aphasia camps in Australia
Aphasiology, Vol.First online
03/12/2025
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
Metrics
1 Record Views
Abstract
Background and aims: Aphasia camps are a valued offering for the aphasia community, addressing the psychosocial, communication, and functional goals of people with aphasia. However, as a predominantly volunteer-led program, there is a risk of burnout and high turnover, therefore proactive strategies are required to promote its sustainability in Australia. The Australian Gold Coast aphasia camp has run annually since 2021, however, following the cessation of community grant funding its sustainability has not yet been considered. The aim of the research was to create a plan for addressing the sustainability of an aphasia camp program.
Methods: An empowerment evaluation is a three-step process which includes: 1) establishing a mission, 2) taking stock, and 3) planning for the future. The evaluation fosters self-determination and autonomy by enabling key stakeholders to lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of their programs. This study concerns the second part of a broader three-stage program of research to establish the way forward for aphasia camps in Australia (survey, initial evaluation, follow-up evaluation) which included a communication accessible empowerment evaluation adopting a mixed methods design. Key stakeholders (n = 7) from the Australian Gold Coast aphasia camp engaged in an ex-ante style evaluation (predicting what important steps will be) where they drew on their previous experience of aphasia camps to consolidate their mission, establish their status, and develop a plan to achieve their 12-month goals. A content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse nominal group data from each stage of the evaluation. The final stage of research will include a 12-month review of progress which will be addressed in a subsequent publication.
Results: Through the first phase of the evaluation, three outcomes were achieved. Firstly, a mission was established to create a safe space for people with aphasia and their carers to connect, share, and support each other. Secondly, relevant activities were prioritised to achieve this mission including organising events, exploring social activities/services, and identifying funding or sources of income. Finally, a plan was developed for a committee to 1. advocate for more aphasia camps, 2. identify relevant funding sources, and 3. engage with local services.
Conclusions and implications: This initial modified empowerment evaluation established a plan to achieve a sustainable aphasia camp which reflects the mission of key stakeholders. A 12-month review will further inform the utility of the evaluation and will guide the development of future processes to support successful community-driven initiatives.
Details
- Title
- A modified empowerment evaluation to promote the sustainability of aphasia camps in Australia
- Creators
- M. Trebilcock - Australian Catholic UniversityD. Hersh - Curtin UniversityH. Badge - Australian Catholic UniversityA. Cronin - Australian Catholic UniversityK. Shrubsole - The University of QueenslandB. Ryan - Curtin University
- Publication Details
- Aphasiology, Vol.First online
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 18
- Identifiers
- 991013337085002368
- Copyright
- © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
- Academic Unit
- Allied Health and Midwifery; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article