A phase II randomised controlled trial evaluating the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an education program on speech-language pathologist' self-efficacy, and self-rated competency for counselling to support psychological wellbeing in people with post-stroke aphasia

Background: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) utilize counseling to support the psychological wellbeing of people with post-stroke aphasia, however, SLPs receive variable, usually limited, counseling education. Counseling education may be effective in improving SLPs' knowledge, skills, and confidence in counseling in post-stroke aphasia. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a novel online counseling education program for SLPs working with people with post-stroke aphasia. Method: Our study was a Phase II, two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial with a waitlist control. Participants (n = 49) were stratified by previous counseling training (>= 1 day) and co-work with psychologists when addressing psychological wellbeing in post-stroke aphasia, and randomized to either the education program or waitlist control arm. We developed an education program (7-hours self-directed learning; 3-hour online workshop) for the trial. Feasibility outcomes included SLP recruitment, workshop attendance, and participant attrition at follow-up. Participants' counseling self-efficacy and self-rated competency were assessed pre- and post-program (primary endpoint) and at 5-week follow-up. Results: Forty-four (90%) participants attended the workshop with forty-one (84%) participants completing the trial. There was a significant interaction (large effect size) between time and group supporting a positive effect of the program on counseling self-efficacy, F(1,44) = 39.402, p < . 0005, n(p)(2) = . 472 and self-rated competency for counseling, F(1,44) = 31.824, p < . 0005, n(p)(2) = . 420. The effects were maintained at follow-up with self-rated competency scores demonstrating further significant improvement. Conclusions: The demonstrated feasibility and preliminary efficacy of this online counseling program warrant a future definitive trial.