Dr Caroline Baker: Aphasia PRISM research project
Dr Caroline Baker is the Research and Clinical Practice Lead for Speech Pathology at Monash Health.
She holds an honorary research position at the Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Australia. Caroline has 22 years of combined experience in speech pathology clinical practice, research and teaching.
Caroline is grateful to the Stroke Foundation for funding the project ‘Optimising mood and wellbeing with aphasia after stroke: A feasibility study of Prevention Intervention and Support in Mental health (Aphasia PRISM) via tele-rehabilitation’.
The study aims to investigate the acceptability of Aphasia PRISM therapies for people with aphasia in metropolitan and via telehealth in rural areas. These therapies include a choice of either behavioural activation, problem solving or relaxation therapy.
This study is important because we know people with aphasia are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety compared to survivors of stroke without aphasia, and people living in regional and rural Australia often experience increased mental ill health challenges and less psychological support.
‘Post Stroke Depression may influence functional outcome by limiting participation in rehabilitation, directly decreasing physical, social, and cognitive function, or perhaps affecting the biological process of neuroplasticity. - American Heart and Stroke Association.
The Aphasia PRISM study may prevent depression and anxiety, enhance wellbeing and upskill stroke clinicians in psychological care for people after a stroke.