Semin Speech Lang 2018; 39(03): 270-283
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1660785
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Impact of Aphasia Camp Participation on Quality of Life: A Primary Progressive Aphasia Perspective

Esther S. Kim
1   Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
,
Mathieu Figeys
2   Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
,
H. Isabel Hubbard
1   Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
,
Carlee Wilson
1   Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
22. Juni 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their caregivers are at risk for decreased quality of life (QoL) due to their progressive condition. Aphasia camps are an intervention that can improve QoL, yet individuals with PPA are underrepresented at aphasia camps relative to those with poststroke aphasia. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to examine the effect of participation in aphasia camp on the QoL of a couple impacted by PPA. The Living with Aphasia: Framework for Outcome Measurement (A-FROM) was used to guide a semistructured interview with an individual with PPA and her spouse, both of whom had attended the Alberta Aphasia Camp for 4 years. Conventional content analysis with an inductive approach was used to analyze results. Concepts that emerged from the interview were organized into pre-camp, during, and post-camp categories. Aspects of camp that had an effect on post-camp QoL for this couple with PPA included expanding social connections and introduction to new activities. Personal characteristics exhibited by the couple had an impact on their experience of aphasia camp and how they incorporated their experiences into their everyday lives post-camp. Aphasia camps are a participation-based service approach that can benefit people with aphasia regardless of etiology. A consideration of personal factors of potential campers with PPA, and the provision of PPA-specific resources, is recommended for programs such as aphasia camps that incorporate participants with mixed etiologies.

Financial Disclosures

Esther S. Kim receives a salary from the University of Alberta. She has no relevant nonfinancial disclosures.


Mathieu Figeys has neither relevant financial nor nonfinancial disclosures.


H. Isabel Hubbard has neither relevant financial nor nonfinancial disclosures.


Carlee Wilson has neither relevant financial nor nonfinancial disclosures.