The Impact Of Aphasia Education On Families Of Stroke Survivors: A Case Study Of The Stroke Unit Of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana

ABSTRACT Background: Aphasia is an acquired language impairment which is the result of a scratch of the focal brain even when other cognitive, motor or sensory impairment is not present. It often follows a stroke. Globally, about 30-35% of stroke patients suffer aphasia after they have been hospitalized for stroke. The resulting aphasia leads to difficulties with reading, writing, and expressive and receptive language. The provision of standard education to stroke inpatients, and providing further education support to their caregivers in follow-up home visits after hospital discharge, is standard practice. In Ghana, community awareness of the risk of stroke is unsatisfactory. Nurses at the Stroke Unit at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) educate aphasia caregivers on communication with persons with aphasia. Sometimes nurses counsel caregivers as well. Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the nature, effectiveness and benefits of aphasia education, provided to family caregivers of persons with aphasia at the Stroke Unit of KBTH. Methods: In this study, caregivers of 20 randomly selected stroke and aphasia patients, who previously reported at the Stroke Unit of KBTH were recruited and interviewed, using an interview guide. Questionnaires were administered to elicit data from the Stroke unit of KBTH, about how family caregivers are educated to improve communication with patients. Outcome: The study has shown that education given to family caregivers at the Stroke Unit of KBTH helps to improve communication for persons with aphasia at home after hospitalization. Conclusion: A formalized and well-structured aphasia education for patients who report at the Stroke Unit will help facilitate patient communication if aphasia sets in after the stroke. Key words: Aphasia, education