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Semin Speech Lang 2018; 39(01): 053-065
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1608856
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Providing Effective Speech-Language Pathology Group Treatment in the Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting

Christine Baron
1   Inpatient Speech-Language Pathology Service, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Molly Holcombe
1   Inpatient Speech-Language Pathology Service, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
,
Candace van der Stelt
1   Inpatient Speech-Language Pathology Service, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 January 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Group treatment is an integral part of speech-language pathology (SLP) practice. The majority of SLP literature concerns group treatment provided in outpatient settings. This article describes the goals, procedures, and benefits of providing quality SLP group therapy in the comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation (CIR) setting. Effective CIR groups must be designed with attention to type and severity of communication impairment, as well physical stamina of group members. Group leaders need to target individualized patient goals while creating a challenging, complex, and dynamic group context that supports participation by all group members. Direct patient-to-patient interaction is fostered as much as possible. Peer feedback supports goal acquisition by fellow group members. The rich, complex group context fosters improved insight, initiation, social connectedness, and generalization of communication skills. Group treatment provides a unique type of treatment not easily replicated with individual treatment. SLP group treatment in a CIR is an essential component of an intensive, high-quality program. Continued advocacy for group therapy provision and research into its efficacy and effectiveness are warranted.

Keywords

Group therapy - rehabilitation - stroke
 

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