Role

Aphasia is a chronic language impairment involving talking, understanding, reading and/or writing, which affects approximately one third of stroke survivors. Compared to non-aphasic stroke patients, individuals with aphasia have poorer outcomes, including an increased prevalence of depression, social isolation and reduced quality of life.

Our research aims to investigate rehabilitation issues relevant to aphasia including impairment-level therapies, enhancing social participation, measurement of outcomes, strategies for living successfully with aphasia and investigation of alternative management options (i.e. telerehabilitation, mHealth, self-management).

Our research involves individuals with aphasia, their families and friends and the health professional who provide care from acute hospitalisation, rehabilitation, and community reintegration.

Aims

  • support clinical research leading to improved health outcomes for people living with aphasia
  • foster training of clinical researchers leading to increased research capacity in aphasia and health services
  • ensure effective translation of research evidence to practice.

Team members

Group leader

Team members

Dr Annie Hill
Dr Brooke Ryan
Dr Sarah Wallace
Dr Tanya Rose
Dr Emma Finch

RHD Candidates

Caroline Baker
Zhi Zhi Diong
Bonnie Cheng
Kirstine Shrubsole
Megan Trebilcock
Leana Nichol
Rachelle Pitt
 

Key research activities

  • Measurement of outcomes in aphasia
  • Development of impairment-level therapies
  • Strategies for living successfully with aphasia
  • Use of technology in aphasia management (telerehabilitation, mHealth)
  • Supporting social participation and community integration

Contact

Professor Linda Worrall
P: (07) 3365 2891
E: l.worrall@uq.edu.au
F: (07) 3365 1877