jircd (print) issn 2040–5111
jircd (online) issn 2040–512x
jircd vol 6.2 2015 211–236
©2016, equinox publishing
doi : 10.1558/jircd.v6i2.25519
Article
Current practices regarding discourse analysis
and treatment following non-aphasic brain
injury: A qualitative study
Katherine McComas Maddy*, Dana M. Howell,
and Gilson J. Capilouto
University of Kentucky, USA
Abstract
Discourse production defcits are a common feature of non-aphasic brain injury
(NABI). However, little is known about current practices of speech-language pathol-
ogists in the assessment and treatment of discourse production defcits following
NABI. A phenomenological approach of inquiry was used to examine the experi-
ences of speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of individuals
with NABI, with a particular focus on discourse production defcits. Nine speech-
language pathologists participated in semi-structured individual interviews. Partici-
pants identifed common discourse production defcits and hypothesized about the
impact on a person’s quality of life. However, external infuences negatively impacted
participants’ practice regarding discourse assessment and treatment. External infu-
ences included time constraints, lack of standardized data, and the lack of formal-
ized education regarding discourse assessment and treatment. Tese fndings suggest
that there is a discrepancy between speech-language pathologists’ values and their
actual clinical practice related to the analysis and implementation of treatment for
discourse production defcits.
Keywords: discourse impairments; speech language pathologists; stroke;
traumatic brain injury
* Correspondence address: Email: klmc227@uky.edu