Oral Presentation Smart Strokes Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

Communication Connect: Empowering People with Aphasia through AI-Supported Self-Management (127699)

John E Pierce 1 2 , Nelson Hernandez 1 2 , Annie J Hill 1 2 , Damminda Alahakoon 2 , Dana Wong 2 , Brooke Ryan 3 , David Copland 4 5 , Emma Power 6 , Ian Kneebone 6 , Leanne Togher 7 , Tim Usherwood 7 , Ciara Shiggins 5 , Dominique Cadilhac 8 , Kelvin Hill 9 , Leonid Churilov 10 , Linda Worrall 5 , Rachael Rietdijk 7 , Richard Lindley 7 , Tracy Sheldrick 11 , Lucette Lanyon 1 2 , Achini Adikari 2 , Nuwan Pallewela 2 , Miranda L Rose 1 2
  1. Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Rehabilitation and Recovery, Australia
  2. La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
  3. Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
  4. Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Herston, QLD, Australia
  5. Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
  6. University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW
  7. The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW
  8. Monash University, Clayton, VIC
  9. Stroke Foundation, Melbourne, VIC
  10. The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC
  11. Speech Pathology, Bendigo Health, Bendigo, VIC, Australia

Introduction: Aphasia has profound long-term effects on daily life, mental health, relationships and social participation, yet healthcare systems do not support comprehensive, long-term management. Communication Connect is a national project aimed at addressing the key challenges faced after discharge from health services. The primary goal was to co-design an AI-driven self-management platform that enables (1) people with aphasia, (2) their family and carers, and (3) health professionals to optimise recovery, maintain well-being, and reduce social isolation.

Methods: Communication Connect was co-designed using Experience-Based Co-Design, involving people with communication disability (n=8), carers (n=3) and multidisciplinary health professionals (n=18) across three states. Thirteen key challenges were identified and prioritised for the project to address. Through iterative co-design workshops, the Communication Connect platform and novel tools were developed as solutions to the challenges.

Results:
The co-design process produced a highly accessible, AI-enhanced web app that supports personalised self-management by linking to key resources and custom solutions, including:

  • Mood Compass: an aphasia-friendly mobile app for mood logging, self-monitoring and management
  • Personalised QR code: Links to customisable information on aphasia and communication strategies
  • Carer needs checklist: A tool to help carers identify important needs and connect to relevant resources
  • The Technology Coach: Aphasia software recommendations for clinicians based on client goals
  • Services Coordinator: Aphasia friendly guides on returning to driving, accessing funding, and obtaining additional rehabilitation.
  • Teledirectory: An accessible database of telerehabilitation services for those with travel barriers

Conclusions: Co-design with people with lived experience and healthcare professionals enabled the development of a user-friendly, accessible platform addressing key post-discharge challenges. A pilot trial of Communication Connect is underway at four sites.

Relevance to clinical practice or patient experience: Communication Connect offers practical solutions to people with aphasia beyond discharge, with the potential to promote autonomy, emotional well-being, and social connection through tailored, accessible tools.