title: Supporting communication in semantic dementia: clinical consensus from expert practitioners.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this paper is to gain consensus regarding the clinical priorities and tasks required in supporting communication needs in those living with semantic dementia and their families, by specialist speech and language therapists (SLTs), working in clinical practice within dementia care settings in the UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  A nominal group technique was used, followed by further exploration and refinement of issues using a modified Delphi technique with a group of six SLTs who specialised in dementia care and who had experience of working with individuals with semantic dementia and their families.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings in the study demonstrate a broader scope of practice than is evident within the research literature with this client group. Therapists identified a range of psychosocial issues for both the person with semantic dementia and their family, in particular finding ways to support activity and participation in conversation and explore barriers and facilitators within the communication environment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This represents the first study to explore everyday practice in this rarer dementia and the information gathered here will be of use to a variety of health and social care professions interested in supporting those with semantic dementia and their families.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Social Work and Midwifery, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kindell
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sage
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, City University London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Madeline
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cruice
keywords: Clinical practice; Delphi; Frontotemporal dementia; Nominal group technique; Primary progressive aphasia; Semantic dementia