ERIC Number: EJ1384623
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1368-2822
EISSN: EISSN-1460-6984
What Is the Usage of the Brisbane Evidence Based Language Test in Clinical Practice?: A Speech Language Therapy Survey
Hounslow, Rhiannon; Rohde, Alexia; Finch, Emma
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, v58 n4 p1113-1132 Jul-Aug 2023
Background: A number of practice barriers (e.g., time constraints, patient comorbidities and competing demands) exist as regards the evidence-based assessment of adult language within the acute hospital setting. There is need for an evidence-based, diagnostically validated, adaptable, comprehensive and efficient aphasia assessment. The Brisbane Evidence Based Language Test (EBLT) was developed to meet this need for a clinically appropriate and diagnostically robust assessment measure. Since the release of the EBLT, there has been no detailed investigation into speech and language therapists' (SLT) use and perceptions of the assessment. To inform future research and improvements to the EBLT, a better understanding of current language assessment practices, use and thoughts on the EBLT are required. Aims: To investigate SLTs' current language assessment practices; and to explore the current usage and future directions of the Brisbane EBLT. Methods & Procedures: A convergent parallel mixed-methods study design with an electronic survey was utilized. The survey consisted of 16 multiple-choice, multiple-answer and free-text questions that explored respondents' perceptions of current language assessment measures, ideal language assessment features, Brisbane EBLT use, positives and negatives, and future directions for the EBLT. The survey was developed on Qualtrics and disseminated via email, social media and professional networks. Snowball sampling was used. Study inclusion criteria required participants to be qualified SLTs with clinical experience working with patients with aphasia. Quantitative data were analysed via descriptive and correlative statistics, and qualitative data were analysed via content analysis. Outcomes & Results: The survey was completed by 115 SLTs from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the UK, Canada, France, Lebanon and Belgium. Many respondents identified that a range of assessments is required to meet SLT clinical needs in the assessment of aphasia. Key desirable assessment features reported were: comprehensive, efficient, evidence-based, responsive and flexible. The EBLT was the most frequently used standardized measure reported by respondents (used by 78.63%). The EBLT reportedly has many positive features; however, respondents indicated dislike of the form layout, scoring and responsiveness. The majority of respondents indicated that the development of additional EBLT tests (94.29%) and additional cut-off scores (95.15%) would benefit their clinical practice. Conclusions & Implications: The study findings indicate that SLT assessment of language is complex and multifaceted. While the EBLT is reportedly used widely by SLTs, respondents identified areas for further research which would optimize the test's usability within their practice, to ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Descriptors: Barriers, Evidence Based Practice, Hospitals, Evaluation Methods, Aphasia, Language Impairments, Allied Health Personnel, Speech Language Pathology, Language Skills, Attitudes, Foreign Countries
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia; New Zealand; United States; United Kingdom; Canada; France; Lebanon; Belgium
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A