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Does a champion-led implementation toolkit have the potential to improve aphasia guideline adherence?
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Does a champion-led implementation toolkit have the potential to improve aphasia guideline adherence? Results from a feasibility study
International journal of speech language pathology, Vol.First online
24/10/2025
PMID: 41133376
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Source: InCites
Abstract
Purpose: Active implementation efforts are needed to reduce evidence-practice gaps in post-stroke aphasia services. One potential solution is a comprehensive toolkit incorporating evidence-based implementation tools, led by trained Change Champions. We explored the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a prototype toolkit to improve speech-language pathologists’ practice.
Method: Mixed-methods, pre-post, feasibility study within one Australian health service (n = 12 speech-language pathologists). Two Change Champions completed training then selected tools to support provision of written aphasia-friendly information for 3 months. Outcome measures included: a) Pre-post medical record audits, b) pre-post behavioural-determinants surveys, and c) post-study clinician focus groups. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data, then integrated using a convergent interactive approach.
Result: Clinicians perceived the toolkit was feasible and acceptable, and highlighted the benefit of Change Champions and resources in facilitating change. Post-implementation written aphasia-friendly information provision increased by 60% (p = 0.005) and most (12/14) targeted barriers improved, suggesting the toolkit with Change Champion support had the potential to improve practice.
Conclusion: The champion-led implementation toolkit prototype was feasible and acceptable, improving guideline-recommended aphasia care. Result support further development of a theory-informed, tailorable implementation toolkit to improve aphasia services.
Details
- Title
- Does a champion-led implementation toolkit have the potential to improve aphasia guideline adherence? Results from a feasibility study
- Creators
- Kirstine Shrubsole - The University of QueenslandRachel Levine - The University of QueenslandElizabeth Lynch - Flinders UniversityCharmaine Briffa - Eastern HealthJohn E Pierce - La Trobe UniversityMegan Trebilcock - Australian Catholic UniversityChau-Anh Do - The University of QueenslandSarah J Wallace - The University of QueenslandEmma Power - University of Technology Sydney
- Publication Details
- International journal of speech language pathology, Vol.First online
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Grant note
- National Health and Medical Research CouncilAustralian Aphasia Association
The authors wish to thank the SLPs who participated in this study. In addition, we thank and acknowledge Bridget Burton (research assistant) who assisted with the toolkit development and Charlotte Grant (speech-language pathology student) who contributed to coding survey responses. Finally, we thank and acknowledge Emma Beesley and Kim Beesley from the Australian Aphasia Association, and Dr Bethany Best and Dr Claire Bennington, for participating in interviews that were used to create videos for the toolkit.
- Identifiers
- 991013324323802368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Allied Health and Midwifery; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article