Facilitators and Barriers to Home Exercise Program Adherence in Aphasia: Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives
Yarlene Caraballo-Lopez, Ellen Costello, Myriam J. OrtizPurpose:
Home exercise programs (HEPs) are beneficial for the rehabilitation process, yet adherence remains low (30%–50%). People with aphasia (PWA) face unique challenges due to deficits in language comprehension and/or expression, but research on facilitators and barriers to achieving HEP adherence in this population is limited. This study examines speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') perspectives on factors that facilitate or hinder adherence to HEPs in PWA.
Method:
A 37-item cross-sectional online survey was administered to SLPs treating PWA. A nonprobability purposive sampling method was used. Likert scale responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman rho correlations. Open-ended questions were analyzed for patterns and themes.
Results:
Of 100 responses, 83 completed surveys were analyzed. Participants were primarily female (~93%) practicing in outpatient settings, with over 21 years of experience. Key facilitators to HEP adherence included motivation (98%), caregiver integration (96%), and incorporating the HEP into daily routines (90%). Moderate positive correlations were found between integrating HEPs into daily routines and perceived relevance (
Conclusions:
SLPs identified multiple factors influencing HEP adherence. Clinicians should consider these factors when developing HEPs for PWA.
Supplemental Material: