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Abstract

PURPOSE: To explore the experiences of adult communication partners (CPs) of individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) who received communication training, and, where reported, the experiences of individuals with ABI who attended or participated in the training.

METHODS: A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted. Electronic searches were completed in CINAHL Ultimate, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Medline, EMBASE, AMED, Scopus, NeuroBITE, PubMed for studies published until August 2025. Included studies described an intervention directed at adult CPs where the program focus was on improving communicative participation for adults post-ABI. Relevant data were extracted and inductively synthesised using thematic synthesis. Studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist and confidence of the findings assessed using GRADE-CERQual.

RESULTS: Nine articles met eligibility criteria and reported on 66 people with ABI and 179 CPs. Three main analytic themes and nine sub-themes were identified: (1) delivery of training–establish dyadic preferences of training; facilitate learning and doing; identify challenges and review engagement; and future steps; (2) making change in dyadic interactions–learning and practicing; and intention to do more and doing more and; (3) outcomes of change–conversation; emotions, relationships and activities; and identity and independence.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a small but informative evidence base on participants perspective of communication partner training in ABI. Most change occurred at conversation level with less change reported for emotions, relationships and independence. Future qualitative studies need to provide in-depth exploration of the impact of training beyond conversation with a greater understanding of how change occurs. This will ensure therapists deliver tailored training aligned with the needs of the individual.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This article has been accepted for publication in American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology (AJSLP) published by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The final published article will be available online at: https://pubs.asha.org/journal/ajslp
Publisher Keywords:	Cognitive-communication, brain injury, systematic review
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Allied Health
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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