PhD Gaining consensus on core intervention components of Communication Partner Training (CPT) in aphasia: A European perspective

Closing Date

30 Nov 2018

Salary

£16,000

Address

School of Health Sciences, City, University of London

Duration

3 years

Project Description

Communication Partner Training (CPT) is a complex behaviour change intervention in post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation, delivered by speech and language therapists, that has a substantial evidence base (Simmons-Mackie et al., 2010; 2016). CPT targets communication partners of people with aphasia, and can be family members, friends, healthcare staff or students, and volunteers. Review of the reporting of CPT interventions in these two systematic reviews, using the TIDieR, highlighted inadequate reporting for replication in research or implementation in clinical practice, and limited attention to what constitutes core components of CPT intervention. It is unsurprising then that CPT, within the broader field of conversation therapy, is so variably delivered in local practice, with aphasia clinicians uncertain of its value in rehabilitation. As improved conversation with family members and communication with others (including healthcare professionals) is an outcome prioritised internationally by people with aphasia, family members, aphasia clinicians and managers, urgent attention to core intervention components of CPT, and their effectiveness in changing others’ communication behaviours, is needed to move this field forward. 

PhD Proposal: This doctoral research will examine this need drawing on all key stakeholders (researchers; aphasia clinicians; clients; others – family members, healthcare professionals) involved, taking a European* perspective. Methods: (1) Identification of core components via review of CPT intervention manuals in aphasia, published and/or translated into the English language, and accessible via hard copy or in electronic format; identified through literature searching at CATs network*. This study will build on the work of recent research6, and will include analysis of CPT interventions for familiar and unfamiliar communication partners, and intervention study designs representing a range of levels of evidence. (2) Studies 2, 3 and 4 are a trilogy of stakeholder investigations, and examine core components from the perspectives of researchers who have developed and evaluated CPT (study 2); aphasia clinicians who have experience of delivering CPT (study 3); and others who have experience of receiving CPT/ engaging in CPT in rehabilitation, e.g. family members, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and patients/ clients (study 4). Methods will utilise established protocols for international e-Delphi studies for studies 2 and 3, and nominal group technique methods for study 4. Core components will be linked to theory of behaviour change, and considered from the perspective of what is presumed to make them effective at changing others’ communication behaviours. Core components from across the studies will be synthesized to draft a prototype CPT intervention for further post-doctoral testing. 

Supervision team: This doctoral research benefits from a cross-institution supervision team, with complimentary expertise and experience from both supervisors. Dr Beeke is the PI on the design and evaluation of the CPT intervention Better Conversations with Aphasia, further translated into a free online resource with more than 5,800 registered users worldwide, with expertise in the application of behaviour change theory to CPT and links to the UCL Centre for Behaviour Change. The candidate will be supported by a broader Advisory Panel, essential for international research of this kind, and will include Associate Professor Emma Power based in Australia, an internationally leading researcher in CPT in traumatic brain injury, Dr Jytte Isaksen, a leading aphasia researcher in Denmark currently engaged in outcome assessment in this field, and Dr Fiona Johnson, a UK speech and language therapist with expertise in behaviour change theory and methods in aphasia. 

Potential field of strong candidates: LCS Aphasia Team has a reputation for attracting high calibre PhD students. Recent graduates, clinicians studying their Masters at City or UCL, and RA staff at both institutions are likely candidates applying for this proposal. 

This project aligns with the research agenda and priority of the Societal Impact and Reintegration Research Group within the international Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists (CATs) https://www.aphasiatrials.org/. Cruice, Isaksen, Beeke and Power are members. Several other members in this research group are active CPT researchers in different countries, and will support this project to engage with researchers, clinicians and CPT interventions in other languages. 

If you would like to have an informal discussion please contact M.Cruice@city.ac.uk
 

School of Health Sciences

The School of Health Sciences is offering up to five full/part-time Doctoral Studentships to outstanding candidates. We are a leading provider of applied healthcare research and we offer PhD candidates an outstanding research environment: in REF 2014, 100% of our research environment was judged as world leading or internationally excellent and 100% of research impact was judged as world leading or internationally excellent. In the recent Postgraduate Research Experience Survey, 96% of PhD students responding rated the expertise and responsiveness of their supervisors as excellent. Successful applicants would join around 70 current PhD students in the School, providing a supportive environment of peers. 
 

Eligibility

The studentships will be awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement and the potential to produce cutting edge-research. 
• Applicants must hold at least a 2.1 honours degree or merit level Masters degree in a relevant subject (or international equivalent) 
• Applicants whose first language is not English must have achieved at least 7.0 in IELTS or a recognised equivalent 
• Applicants must not be currently registered as a doctoral student at City, University of London or any other academic institution 
 

How to Apply

To apply for studentship funding: 
• Complete an application form for a place on the PhD programme by clicking here where you will be asked to register before you can complete your application 
• Upload your research proposal (four sides of A4 maximum including references) on one of the specific projects listed by supervisors or in any of the areas covered by the research centres following discussion and agreement with a potential supervisor. 
Research centres: https://www.city.ac.uk/health/research 

• Suggested structure of proposal: 
1. Project description; Topic, motivation from the literature, Methods and potential impact 
2. How does this fit with the work carried out in the School of Health Sciences? 
3. Potential for this research lead to an important question or methodological innovation that might lead to 4* output 

• Upload a short cover letter with your application requesting that your application be considered for studentship funding 
• Submit your online application form and supporting documents by 30 November 2018. If you have any queries, please the doctoral degrees support officer, Tracy Rowson (T.Rowson@city.ac.uk).

Funding Notes

• An annual bursary (£16,000 in 2018/19) 
• All fees for PhD student registration paid for UK and EU students. Applications are welcome from overseas applicants but the applicant must make appropriate arrangements to cover the difference between the overseas and UK tuition fee 
• Research costs up to £1000 over the three years

Contact Details

M.Cruice@city.ac.uk
Tracy Rowson: T.Rowson@city.ac.uk