A Principle-Based Concept Analysis of Supported Conversation for Adults With Aphasia.

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA^™ ), an evidence-based framework to improve communicative access, is a unique concept to nursing with theoretical and technical components. Effective communication is essential in all patient interactions, and SCA™ could aid health care professionals in meeting the needs of people with aphasia. Methods: A principle-based concept analysis was conducted using a systematic and conceptually driven literature search. A review of literature from 1998 to 2024 contained in CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases was performed on the concept of SCA^™ The concept was explored for (a) definitional clarity (epistemological principle), (b) relevance to nursing (pragmatic principle), (c) consistency in meaning (linguistic principle), and (d) differentiation from related concepts (logical principle). Results: The final dataset consisted of 49 articles. Findings revealed that (a) SCA^™ is composed of theoretical and technical components used to acknowledge and reveal the competence of a person with aphasia, but there is a vague use and a lack of definitional clarity; (b) the philosophical framework and techniques outlined by the concept are relevant and useful for nursing; (c) there is variability in the use, nomenclature, and conceptualization of SCA^™; and (d) the concept is poorly differentiated from other similar concepts. Implications for Practice: Nurses working with people diagnosed with aphasia and other communication disorders should consider SCA^™ and its application in nursing practice. Findings from this concept analysis stress the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to future SCA^™ studies, as nursing can lend its distinct viewpoint to integrate SCA^™ techniques into practice.