Oral Presentation Smart Strokes Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

Communication Connect: Co-producing an AI-enabled Digital Health Resource for Carers of People with Post-stroke Aphasia (127379)

Nelson J. Hernandez 1 , Dana Wong 2 , John E. Pierce 1 , Miranda L. Rose 1
  1. School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
  2. School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

Background: Carers of people with aphasia face unique challenges, experiencing higher burden of care and more negative stroke-related outcomes compared to carers of stroke survivors without aphasia1,2. Community support services are limited in most healthcare models, further compounding these challenges3. This project aimed to develop a carer portal within the Communication Connect platform, offering personalised resources and a self-directed e-learning program. Communication Connect is an AI-enabled digital health resource co-designed with healthcare professionals, people with communication disability from brain injury, and their carers to address gaps in post-stroke care and promote self-management skills.

Methods: The platform was co-produced in collaboration with a research team and participants (n=31) through iterative meetings and feedback over 3 years, across three locations in Australia.

Results: Across all three locations, participants identified greater support and training for carers as a high-priority need. In response, two bespoke solutions were co-designed for integration into Communication Connect. The first was a Carer Needs Checklist to personalise existing resources. The second was a self-directed e-learning program aimed at promoting psychological wellbeing and reducing carer burden.

Conclusion: The development and implementation of a self-directed online platform for carers of people with aphasia aims to promote self-management and knowledge translation in these areas. Future study phases will evaluate the platform’s acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy. The findings may inform future practice by demonstrating the potential of self-directed, web-based programs to enhance carer self-efficacy and reduce carer burden.

Relevance to clinical practice or patient experience: The bespoke solutions within the Communication Connect platform offer practical tools that support carers in developing self-management skills to enhance psychological wellbeing and improve the care they provide. In addition, clinicians may benefit from directing carers to a resource that complements therapy and promotes continuity of care beyond the clinical setting.

 

  1. 1. Bakas T, Kroenke K, Plue LD, et al. Outcomes Among Family Caregivers of Aphasic Versus Nonaphasic Stroke Survivors. Rehabilitation Nursing. 2006;31(1):33-42. 2. Servaes P, Draper B, Conroy P, et al. Informal carers of aphasic stroke patients: stresses and interventions. Aphasiology. 1999;13(12):889-900. 3. Hallé M-C, Le Dorze G, Mingant A. Speech–language therapists’ process of including significant others in aphasia rehabilitation. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2014;49(6):748-760.