Training for Aphasia

Overseen By Kristin Murphey, MS, CCC-SLP

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Disqualifiers: Not employed by department

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of First Responder Aphasia Strategy Training in educating police officers and first responders about aphasia, a condition that affects communication. The training focuses on enhancing their knowledge and confidence in interacting with individuals who have this condition. Participants will come from the Madison Police Department and will engage in the training for up to six months. The study seeks first responders or law enforcement officers employed by the Madison Police Department who are willing to commit to the training process. As an unphased trial, it offers participants a unique opportunity to enhance their skills and make a meaningful impact in their community.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this training is safe for first responders?

In a previous study, police officers benefited from training to communicate with people who have aphasia, a condition affecting speech and understanding. This research aims to improve interpersonal communication, demonstrating that the training is safe. The training teaches effective communication methods, and no negative effects have been reported. As an educational program, it is generally safe and well-tolerated by participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the First Responder Aphasia Strategy Training because it focuses on empowering first responders with specific communication strategies to assist individuals with aphasia during emergencies. Unlike traditional treatments that primarily focus on long-term speech therapy with speech-language pathologists, this approach aims to provide immediate, practical support in critical situations. By training first responders, the method bridges a crucial gap in emergency care, potentially improving outcomes for people with aphasia when every second counts.

What evidence suggests that this training is effective for improving communication with individuals with aphasia?

Studies have shown that training programs for first responders can enhance their understanding and communication with people who have aphasia. In South Africa, an online training for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) improved their knowledge of aphasia and taught effective communication strategies for emergencies. Another study found that even one session of aphasia training for emergency responders proved effective. Research on similar training for nurses demonstrated significant improvements in their care for patients with aphasia. These findings suggest that first responders can acquire important skills to interact more effectively with people who have aphasia through targeted training. Participants in this trial will receive the First Responder Aphasia Strategy Training to evaluate its effectiveness. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Kimberly Mueller, PhD, CCC-SLP

Principal Investigator

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for first responders and law enforcement officers employed by the Madison Police Department who are willing to learn about aphasia, consent to participate, and can commit to the study procedures for up to 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria

I work for the Madison Police Department as a first responder or law enforcement officer.

I am willing and able to agree to participate in the study.

I am willing and able to follow all study rules and attend all appointments.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Participants undergo direct teaching, aphasia simulations, scenario-based training, and a panel with persons with aphasia

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in knowledge and confidence in communicating with individuals with aphasia

3 to 6 months

3 surveys over 6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• First Responder Aphasia Strategy Training

Trial Overview The study tests a training program aimed at improving knowledge and confidence among police officers when communicating with individuals affected by aphasia they may meet during their duties.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: First Responders Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,249

Recruited

3,255,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11561048/

Success rates of intensive aphasia therapy: real-world data ... The immediate responder rate was 59%. Significant improvements in all AAT subtests und subscales were observed hinting at broad effectiveness ...

2. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.str.30.7.1370

Improving Outcomes for Persons With Aphasia in ... Patients' mean performance scores improved significantly in response to treatment in all measures assessed at both the impairment level and the functional ...

3. bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-024-02599-0

Communication training program for nurses caring for patients ... This study develops and evaluates the effectiveness of a communication training program for nurses who care for patients with aphasia.

4. digitalcommons.molloy.edu digitalcommons.molloy.edu/frd/2025/all/11/

Aphasia Awareness Training for Emergency Responders in ... An online training for EMTs in South Africa was effective in increasing knowledge of aphasia and communication strategies to use in emergency situations.

5. etd.ohiolink.edu etd.ohiolink.edu/acprod/odb_etd/ws/send_file/send?accession=osu1373473856&disposition=inline

An Enhanced Aphasia Awareness Training Program for ... Results demonstrated situation specific training to be effective ... aphasia training for emergency responders can be effective in as little as one training.

6. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/458026?per_page=20&only_recruiting=0&only_eligible=0&only_active=0

First Responder Aphasia Strategy Training - Clinical Tria... First responders are to list 10 strategies for competence, understanding, and expression in communicating with a person with Aphasia. Count of ...

7. learn.aphasia.com learn.aphasia.com/topclass/topclass.do?expand-OfferingDetails-Offeringid=10383383

Insight to Action Part 2: Preparing First Responders This is a 10-hour self-study course to give you the tools you need to provide education to first responders and prepare them to communicate with AAC users in ...

8. app.trialscreen.org app.trialscreen.org/trials/first-responder-aphasia-strategy-training-trial-nct06678854

First Responder Aphasia Strategy Training Research studies have participation criteria to protect participants' safety, ensure reliable results, and make sure the study is scientifically and ethically ...

9. aphasia.org aphasia.org/living-day-to-day/experiencing-an-emergency-or-medical-situation/

Experiencing an Emergency or Medical Situation Learn how to prepare for emergencies when living with aphasia. Discover practical tools, communication strategies, and safety planning tips to navigat.