Communication Partner Training Practices for People With Aphasia Among Latin American Speech and Language Therapists: A Survey of Implementation Barriers and Facilitators

Abstract

Background

Communication Partner Training (CPT) is an evidence-based approach that enhances conversation and participation for people with aphasia (PwA) by involving their communication partners (CPs) in therapy. Although CPT is endorsed in international guidelines, little is known about its application in Latin American contexts, where linguistic and cultural diversity and limited resources may influence clinical practice.

Aims

This study explored the current CPT practices of Latin American Spanish-speaking speech and language therapists (SLTs), identifying barriers, facilitators, and needs to inform the future cultural adaptation of the Better Conversations with Aphasia program.

Methods

An existing CPT practice survey was adapted and distributed to SLTs in six Latin American countries (Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Costa Rica). The survey included demographic questions, closed-response items analysed with descriptive statistics, and open-ended items analysed thematically using a codebook approach.

Results

Although many respondents reported training families to use strategies such as gestures and simplified speech with PwA, many of these practices appear to involve elements of communication support rather than the structured components typically associated with formal CPT programmes. These practices were mainly implemented informally and without structured training principles, goal setting, or outcome evaluation—key components of evidence-based CPT—largely due to barriers such as limited time, training, and resources. Facilitators included strong professional motivation and willingness to involve family members in therapy.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the need for culturally adapted CPT interventions in Latin America. Developing accessible training and institutional support will be crucial to strengthening CPT implementation and enhancing communicative participation for PwA and their CPs across the region.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

• Communication Partner Training (CPT) is an evidence-based intervention shown to improve communicative participation for people with aphasia, but most research and implementation data come from English-speaking, high-income countries.
• Very little is known about how CPT is understood or delivered in Latin America, where limited resources, diverse sociolinguistic contexts, and inconsistent access to training may affect the uptake of evidence-based practice.
• No prior studies have systematically examined CPT practices among Latin American SLTs or documented region-specific barriers and facilitators to implementation.

What this paper adds to the existing knowledge

• This study provides the first cross-regional description of CPT-related practices among Speech and Language Therapists in Latin America, revealing that although many clinicians report teaching communication strategies to families, these practices often lack the structured components characteristic of internationally defined CPT.
• The findings identify key behavioural, organisational, and contextual factors influencing CPT implementation, including strong professional intention and positive attitudes toward CPT, contrasted with limited training, organisational support, and culturally relevant materials.
• The study offers an evidence base to inform the cultural and linguistic adaptation of CPT programmes, including Better Conversations with Aphasia, for Spanish-speaking populations.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

• Enhancing CPT implementation in Latin America will require targeted SLT training, institutional recognition of partner-focused intervention, and development of culturally adapted resources aligned with regional linguistic diversity.
• Strengthening CPT practice has the potential to improve communicative participation and family involvement in rehabilitation for people with aphasia across the region.
• The results support the need for coordinated regional efforts and cross-national collaborations to embed CPT within routine clinical practice in Latin America.