A clear focus
Author: Anna Hayes
Magazine issue: Autumn 08
Page numbers: 10-11
Date: 31 August 2008
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Health and social care policy emphasises the importance of listening to the views of users and carers about the services they need and want, but people with communication difficulties following a stroke typically have a limited voice. The East Sussex Speech and Language Therapy Service for Adults project saw Anna Hayes and colleagues use focus groups to seek the views of people with aphasia. The planning, process and outcomes are described. In particular, the project has led to increased funding for posts, a review of goal setting, improved ‘aphasia-friendly’ communication, more group work and a training pack. Other models for user involvement are being investigated.
