Telepractice for people with aphasia (PWA) is gaining importance, not least because of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Many PWA are affected by a reduction of quality of life (QoL). Experts recommend focussing on psychosocial impacts more consistently, but the transfer to telepractice has been investigated in a limited number of studies so far. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of different telepractice approaches on QoL in PWA. The evidence was identified through a broad literature research in five databases and other sources such as Google Scholar and referring papers or was searched by hand. In total, twelve studies met the eligibility criteria. Focus of the analysis was the association between therapeutic approaches and their effects on QoL. Half (n = 6) of the included studies clearly indicated positive effects of the applied methods on QoL. Further analysis showed no definable link between the therapeutic approaches and their impact on QoL. Nevertheless, decisive assumptions about QoL-enhancing telepractice can be derived from the literature. Telepractice in aphasia therapy can improve the patients’ QoL. Benefits for QoL do not only depend on the utilised approach. Several factors (e.g., enhancing of communicative confidence) are significant in their impact on QoL and should be examined in future research.

Background: There is evidence that interventions provided by a speech and language therapist (SLT) can positively impact the quality of life (QoL) of people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Current reviews refer to functional approaches rather than categorising QoL‐enhancing therapies. Aims: This paper aims to provide an overview of the approaches provided by SLTs to enhance QoL in people with PPA, taking into account influencing factors and various measurement instruments. Methods: Given the lack of concepts and inconsistent measurement instruments in the area of QoL‐enhancing therapies, the methodology of a scoping review was selected. Studies were identified through a broad database search in five databases (Medline, ScienceDirect, Speechbite, Psyndex and Cochrane). The research was further conducted using Google Scholar and handsearching of reference lists. The 244 studies identified were subjected to a duplicate check as well as a title, abstract and full‐text screening. The inclusion criteria were the presence of at least one person with PPA in the study sample, the described implementation of an intervention by at least one SLT, and QoL as a defined and measured outcome criterion. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the studies. Main Contribution: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies showed evidence of an improved or stable QoL of the participants over the period of the respective interventions. Of the included studies, seven interventions took place in individual settings, three in group settings, and one in a dyadic constellation. In one study a combination of individual and group settings was used. The therapeutic approaches mainly aimed at more than one level of the Framework for Outcome Measurement. Most frequently covered were activities and participation ( n = 9) and body function and body structure level ( n = 7). The assessments used varied widely. The American Speech‐Language‐Hearing Association Quality of Communication Life Scale was used most frequently ( n = 3). Other assessments included the Aphasia Impact Questionnaire‐21 or the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale‐39, as well as interviews or self‐administered rating scales. The quality of the studies was heterogeneous and ranged from 2 to 5 out of a maximum of 5 according to MMAT criteria. Conclusions: The included studies demonstrate the potential of speech and language therapy to improve QoL in people with PPA and provide insights into influencing factors (e.g., treatment dose or setting of therapy). There is a need for high‐quality controlled trials of QoL‐enhancing interventions and for standardised QoL assessments tailored to the needs of people with PPA. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject? We know that speech and language therapy is valued by people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and has potential effects on their quality of life (QoL). What this paper adds to existing knowledge? This scoping review provides an overview of the approaches provided by speech and language therapists, considering influencing factors and measurement instruments. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Our research indicates a need for high‐quality controlled trials of QoL‐enhancing interventions. Focusing more on QoL could lead to the person‐centred approach that experts are already calling for.

Persons with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) often experience limitations in their quality of life (QoL). Some studies have shown positive effects of speech and language therapy on QoL in persons with PPA. However, there is still a lack of evidence for disorder-specific approaches for this important therapeutic goal. The biographic-narrative approach (narraktiv) has been shown to significantly improve QoL in persons with post-stroke aphasia. In the planned study, the biographic-narrative approach will be adapted for persons with PPA (Cope PPA), and its efficacy will be investigated. First, a focus group interview with five persons with PPA will be conducted to identify the wishes and needs of participants. Based on the results, the narraktiv manual according to Corsten et al. (2015) will be revised. Second, an efficacy study will be conducted according to the new Cope PPA manual with 24 persons with PPA in a waiting group control design. The primary outcome, QoL, will be assessed using questionnaires (Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39) and semistructured interviews. Depressive symptoms, life satisfaction and cognitive/communicative functioning will also be assessed. If Cope PPA proves efficacy, this study may help to improve the treatment of persons with PPA.

BACKGROUND: The use of telediagnostics for people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) could improve access to specialised care. There is a gap in research, especially regarding to the evaluation of communicative-pragmatic measurement tools in a digital setting. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the equivalence, modality use, and patient satisfaction of telepractice administration of the Scenario Test (ST) in people with PPA. METHODS: In a cross-over design, the ST was conducted once by videoconferencing and once in person. Fifteen people with PPA participated. Participant satisfaction was assessed after each test session using a short self-designed questionnaire. The total ST scores, the use of the different communicative modalities and the participant satisfaction scores were evaluated using the equivalence and McNemar test. RESULTS: Statistical equivalence was established for the present sample with regard to the total score of the ST. Regarding the use of the different modalities, no significant difference was found. Sample satisfaction was positive for both diagnostic settings, but there was no statistical equivalence of satisfaction. Severe psychiatric and cognitive symptoms affected the test performance. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights opportunities and limitations of telepractice administration of the ST in people with PPA. There is some evidence that testing with the ST via videoconferencing is feasible. Differences in the use of communication modalities and participant satisfaction should be further investigated. Influencing factors such as psychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits should be considered in future research projects.

Background: Due to communication problems, people with primary progressive aphasia (PwPPA) are often affected in their self-image and experience a reduced quality of life (QoL). Biographic-narrative therapy is an effective approach to improve QoL in post-stroke aphasia. This study describes how PwPPA experienced their participation in the biographic-narrative intervention called Cope PPA. Methods: The intervention comprised a combination of five individual and seven group therapy sessions as well as the use of music and art therapy elements. Inclusion criteria were a capacity to give consent and sufficient visual/auditory abilities of PwPPA. Exclusion criteria were the presence of severe depression (MADRS > 35) or severe cognitive deficits (MMST < 10). After the therapy, PwPPA and their family members took part in half-hour semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed according to the reflexive thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke. Results: The qualitative analysis was based on a data set of 34 interviews. A total of six themes were identified: (1) Participation required adherence; (2) Materials were considered remarkable; (3) Storytelling was conducted in an aphasia-free area; (4) Group participation created a sense of belonging; (5) Experiences encouraged self-reflection and (6) Coping is lengthy and ongoing. Conclusions: The findings of our reflexive thematic analysis suggest that PwPPA experienced the intervention as meaningful. Some PwPPA described the effects of our intervention on their self-image. Others emphasised that coping with their condition was an ongoing process requiring continuous support.