Adapted solution focused therapy for people with aphasia (SOFIA trial)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Adapted Solution Focused brief therapy In post-stroke Aphasia (SOFIA trial): a feasibility study
IRAS ID
227506
Contact name
Sarah Northcott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 2 months, 0 days
Research summary
Background
Around one third of stroke survivors will have aphasia, meaning they have difficulty talking, understanding, reading or writing. People with aphasia are at risk of becoming depressed and isolated. However, due to their language difficulties they are often excluded from stroke research exploring effective interventions.Aims
We want to explore whether an adapted version of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) can be used with people with aphasia. We also want to collect information to help us design a future large-scale trial evaluating this approach. SFBT is a psychological therapy, which explores a person’s strengths and resilience to help build positive change in their lives.Methods
There will be two stages in the project. During the initial Development Phase we will investigate how best to adapt the therapy for people with post-stroke aphasia and will write a therapy manual.
Thirty-two participants with long-term aphasia will be invited to participate in the second stage of the project. Participants will be randomly assigned to either intervention group or wait-list control group. The intervention group will receive up to six therapy sessions spaced over three months. They will be assessed immediately prior to the therapy (Time One), immediately post therapy (Time Two), and three months later (Time Three). The wait-list control group will also be assessed at these three time points, and will then be offered the same therapy after Time Three, and will also be reassessed post therapy. During the assessment sessions we will ask participants about their well-being, mood and social participation using questionnaires. We will also conduct ‘in-depth’ less-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences of the project.Expected outcomes
We anticipate that it will be possible to adapt SFBT so that it works well for people with aphasia; and that this project will enable us to design a successful large-scale study.REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1255
Date of REC Opinion
15 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion