Recovery in the context of post-stroke aphasia: A concept analysis

BACKGROUND: The term ‘recovery’ frequents the literature relating to aphasia, however there has been limited research directly investigating the concept (or meaning) the term represents. OBJECTIVE: To present a concept analysis of ‘recovery’ in the context of post-stroke aphasia and investigate the consistency in meaning, use and interpretation of the concept, in relation the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA). METHODS: Rodgers’ evolutionary method of concept analysis was used to analyse the studies retrieved through a systematic search of PubMed and CINAHL bibliographic databases and a journal search of Aphasiology. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) were used as frameworks to explore the correspondence of the concept of ‘recovery’ with current speech and language therapy service delivery approaches. RESULTS: Seventy-one papers were retrieved and analysis revealed six core attributes of the concept; recovery as (1) a process (2) variable dependant (3) existing on a spectrum (4) facilitated (5) quantifiable (6) subject to deceleration. The concept of recovery was found to be impairment-oriented, demonstrating a poor overall correspondence with current frameworks underpinning service delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Facilitating recovery in the context of post-stroke aphasia is a widely discussed therapeutic priority, yet the concept of recovery itself remains ambiguous. Clarification of the current conceptual status of recovery is necessary to ensure consistency in meaning, use and interpretation of the concept, in recognition of its potential implications on research and service delivery.