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. 2023 May 23;9(1):87.
doi: 10.1186/s40814-023-01301-6.

Results from a randomised controlled pilot study of the Better Conversations with Primary Progressive Aphasia (BCPPA) communication partner training program for people with PPA and their communication partners

A Volkmer  1 , H Walton  2 , K Swinburn  3 , A Spector  3 , J D Warren  4 , S Beeke  3
Affiliations

Results from a randomised controlled pilot study of the Better Conversations with Primary Progressive Aphasia (BCPPA) communication partner training program for people with PPA and their communication partners

A Volkmer et al. Pilot Feasibility Stud. .

Abstract

Background: There has been a growing focus on functional communication interventions for primary progressive aphasia (PPA). These interventions aim to support individuals to participate in life situations. One such intervention, communication partner training (CPT) aims to change conversation behaviours in both the person with PPA and their communication partner (CP). CPT has a growing evidence base in stroke aphasia; however, these programmes are not designed to meet the needs of people with progressive communication difficulties. To address this, the authors developed a CPT program entitled Better Conversations with PPA (BCPPA) and undertook a pilot trial to establish for a future full trial; predicted recruitment rates, acceptability, an assessment of treatment fidelity and an appropriate primary outcome measure.

Methodology: This was a single-blind, randomised controlled pilot study comparing BCPPA to no treatment, delivered across 11 National Health Service Trusts in the UK. A random sample of eight recordings of local collaborators delivering the intervention were analysed to examine fidelity. Participants completed feedback forms reporting on acceptability. Pre- and post-intervention measures targeted conversation behaviours, communication goals and quality of life.

Results: Eighteen people with PPA and their CPs (9 randomised to BCPPA, 9 randomised to no treatment) completed the study. Participants in the intervention group rated BCPPA positively. Treatment fidelity was 87.2%. Twenty-nine of 30 intervention goals were achieved or over-achieved and 16 of 30 coded conversation behaviours demonstrated change in the intended direction. The Aphasia Impact Questionnaire was identified as the preferred outcome measure.

Conclusion: The first randomised controlled UK pilot study of a CPT program for people with PPA and their families demonstrates BCPPA is a promising intervention. The intervention was acceptable, treatment fidelity high and an appropriate measure identified. Results of this study indicate a future RCT of BCPPA is feasible.

Trial registration: Registered 28/02/2018 ISRCTN10148247 .

Keywords: Communication; Communication partner training; Dementia; Primary progressive aphasia; Rehabilitation of speech and language disorders.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Participant flow chart (CONSORT flow chart) describing recruitment and retention of participants in BCPPA pilot study
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Participant dyads’ mean ratings of the explanation, format and delivery of BCPPA intervention sessions
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Participant dyads’ ratings of whether BCPPA intervention sessions improved their (i) knowledge and understanding of PPA and (ii) communication skills
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Participant dyad’s ratings of whether BCPPA intervention sessions were helpful and whether they had made any change in their communication
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Local collaborators ratings of dyads’ interest and enjoyment of the BCPPA intervention sessions
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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