Experiences of communication partner training in acquired brain injury: Qualitative evidence synthesis

Please note. This review has since been updated in August 2025.BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Communication impairments are prevalent after acquired brain injury (ABI) with incidence rates commonly above 66%. Provision of education and training to communication partners is considered a key part of the rehabilitation process for people with ABI. Training can help to improve communication skills and facilitate communicative competence in people with ABI. The aim of this synthesis was to explore the experiences and perspectives of people with ABI and their communication partners who take part in training programmes.METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across nine databases (CINAHL Ultimate, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Medline, EMBASE, AMED, Scopus, NeuroBITE, PubMed) to May 2024. Studies were included if they described an intervention directed at adult communication partners where the primary focus of the program was on improving the communication skills for adults following ABI. Relevant data were extracted and synthesised using thematic analysis. Studies were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist and the confidence of the findings was assessed using GRADE-CERQual tool.RESULTS: Eight articles met the eligibility criteria and reported on 55 people with ABI and 168 communication partners who were involved in the training and interviewed. Three main analytic themes and nine sub-themes were identified: (1) delivery of training – establish dyadic preferences of training; facilitate learning and doing; identify challenges and review engagement; and future steps; (2) making change in dyadic interactions – learning and practicing; and intention to do more and doing more and; (3) outcomes of change – conversation; emotions, relationships and activities; and identity and independence.CONCLUSIONS: There is a small but solid and informative evidence base on recipients’ perspective of CPT in ABI. Most change was reported to have occurred at the level of conversation with less change reported for emotions, relationships and independence. Future qualitative studies need to provide a more in-depth exploration of the impact of change beyond conversation with a greater understanding of how this change occurs. This will ensure therapists deliver tailored training most aligned with the desired outcomes of the individual