Do Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (ICAPs) work?
What did the researchers aim to find out?
Was this ICAP better than usual care?
What type of research was done?
This was a randomised controlled trial. Half were allocated to the ICAP, half kept doing their usual care.
Results of the research
The ICAP was better than usual care for participants. Many people were not interested in the ICAP.
Why was the research done?
ICAPs are growing in number and evolving. There has been no study showing that they work.
What does the research mean for me and others?
You may benefit from an ICAP.
What research methods were used?
This was an intervention study. It measured outcomes in both the ICAP and usual care groups. Outcomes were reported or tested.
How to obtain the treatment detailed in the research?
The CHAT program is in Brisbane, Australia. See the Queensland Aphasia Research Centre website.
Background information on the research topic
Most ICAP research to date has shown benefits after the intervention. No research had compared an ICAP to usual care.
Risks related to the research
There were no risks or adverse events. There was very little dropout.
Who was allowed to take part in the research?
People with aphasia between 4-18 months post onset, didn’t have significant cognitive impairment, and were to be discharged in the area.
Information about the people who took part
269 people were asked if they wanted to participate. 52 people with aphasia were randomized.
Why was the research done this way?
A randomized controlled trial compares a new intervention to a control group.
When was the research done?
2014-2019
Where was the research done?
South East Queensland, Australia.
Where did the money came from?
National Health & Medical Research Council (Australian government) & the Wesley Research Institute.
Problems with the research
We didn’t recruit enough people for the study.
Is the research trustworthy?
Yes, this was a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). Adding more participants would have made it even more trustworthy.
Next steps
The therapy provided can be improved. The effect of different frequency and duration should also be examined and a broader group of people should be included.
