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Abstract

Background & Aims

This study ran within the framework of the Thales Aphasia Project that investigated the efficacy of elaborated semantic feature analysis (ESFA). We evaluated the treatment integrity (TI) of ESFA, i.e., the degree to which therapists implemented treatment as intended by the treatment protocol, in two different formats: individual and group therapy.

Methods & Procedures

Based on the ESFA manual, observation of therapy videos and TI literature, we developed two ESFA integrity checklists, for individual and group therapy, and used them to rate 15 videos of therapy sessions, delivered by three speech–language therapists (SLTs). Thirteen people with aphasia (PwA) were involved in this study. Reliability of the checklists was checked using Kappa statistics. Each session's TI was calculated. Differences in TI scores between the two therapy approaches were calculated using independent sample t-tests. Treating SLTs’ views on what facilitates TI were also explored through a survey.

Outcomes & Results

Inter- and intra-rater reliability were excellent (.75 ≤ κ ≤ 1.00) for all but one video (κ = .63). Overall, a high TI level (91.4%) was achieved. Although both approaches’ TI was high, TI for individual therapy sessions was significantly higher than for group sessions (94.6% and 86.7% respectively), t(13) = 2.68, p = .019. SLTs found training, use of the treatment manual, supervision and peer support useful in implementing ESFA therapy accurately.

Conclusions & Implications

ESFA therapy as delivered in Thales is well described and therapists can implement it as intended. The high TI scores found enhance the internal validity of the main research project and facilitate its replication. The need for more emphasis on the methodological quality of TI studies is discussed.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Kladouchou, V., Papathanasiou, I., Efstratiadou, E. A., Christaki, V. & Hilari, K. (2017). Treatment integrity of elaborated semantic feature analysis aphasia therapydelivered in individual and group settings. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, which has been published in final form at https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12311. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.
Publisher Keywords:	elaborated semantic feature analysis (ESFA); aphasia; treatment integrity; treatment fidelity; Thales Aphasia Project
Subjects:	P Language and Literature
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Language & Communication Science
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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