title: The current practices of speech-language pathologists in providing information to clients with traumatic brain injury.
abstract: The provision of information about cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is important given the impact these communication impairments can have on the rehabilitation of people with TBI. This study describes the results of an online survey which investigated the current practices of 74 Australian speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with adults with TBI. Thirty-seven SLPs outlined their practices in information provision. SLPs reported they provide information to adults with TBI about CCDs, the impact of CCDs on participation in life activities, and rehabilitation from CCDs. In addition, SLPs identified barriers and facilitators to information provision. Barriers identified included time, impairments resulting from TBI, and personal characteristics of the client. Facilitators included family functioning and support and the multidisciplinary team. Findings of this research indicate a need for some changes in the format and content of information that SLPs provide to adults with TBI, to ensure they can achieve fundamental levels of health literacy and better health outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Charles Sturt University , Albury , Australia.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Short
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCormack
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Copley
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003071:Cognition; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012919:Social Behavior; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Traumatic brain injury (TBI); health literacy; service delivery; speech-language pathologists