Care partner perspectives on an intensive aphasia intervention paired with noninvasive brain stimulation: a qualitative study

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the personal experiences and unique observational roles of care partners of people with aphasia (PWA) who underwent an intensive aphasia intervention paired with noninvasive brain stimulation. METHODS: We used a qualitative descriptive methodology and framework analysis to analyze 13 care partner interviews. We coded transcripts to capture relevant ideas, then generated themes to represent key concepts related to care partner perceptions. RESULTS: Four themes (each with two sub-themes) captured care partner perspectives on (1) the intervention itself, (2) their roles during the intervention, (3) the PWA's experience, and (4) the communication dyad and family impact. Care partners identified the importance of understanding the intervention and its associated risks when supporting the PWA in deciding to participate. During the intervention, care partners had varied levels of involvement yet shared a desire for clear role expectations from the research team. They described improvements in the PWA's functional communication and independence as a way of reducing burden and making life easier. CONCLUSION: Care partners have the potential to augment and benefit from aphasia research by assisting with the informed consent process, assuming active roles within studies, and participating in outcome measurement.