Findings
After conducting over 45 interviews, and qualitatively analyzing over 653 pages of transcribed data four main themes emerged:
1. Changes in identity following aphasia
2. Changes in relationship with partner
3. Perception of patient and partner
4. Growing a new life
There are several lessons for physicians from the results of this research, including:
- Effects of communication disorder are more far-reaching than physical effects of stroke.
- Communication with aphasic patients is harder if you don’t know them or they are new to you. Longitudinal relationships are very helpful.
- Consider involving primary care physician early for short and long term planning.
- Recovery continues forever.
- It’s not worse, just different.