Evaluating the Benefits of Aphasia Intervention Delivered in Virtual Reality: Results of a Quasi-Randomised Study

Introduction This study evaluated an intervention for people with aphasia delivered in a novel virtual reality platform called EVA Park. EVA Park contains a number of functional and fantastic locations and allows for interactive communication between multiple users. Twenty people with aphasia had 5 weeks’ intervention, during which they received daily language stimulation sessions in EVA Park from a support worker. The study employed a quasi randomised design, which compared a group that received immediate intervention with a waitlist control group. Outcome measures explored the effects of intervention on communication and language skills, communicative confidence and feelings of social isolation. Compliance with the intervention was also explored through attrition and usage data. Results There was excellent compliance with the intervention, with no participants lost to follow up and most (18/20) receiving at least 88% of the intended treatment dose. Intervention brought about significant gains on a measure of functional communication. Gains were achieved by both groups of participants, once intervention was received, and were well maintained. Changes on the measures of communicative confidence and feelings of social isolation were not achieved. Results are discussed with reference to previous aphasia therapy findings

Involking silvern voices in healthcare : transforming practice by engaging older adults in collaborative partnerships

Canada's population is aging. This growing trend will ultimately have an impact on nursing practice as older individuals continue to seek healthcare services. Nurses must be able to work in collaboration with the older population to provide quality care. This action research study explored participative healthcare from an older adult's perspective. This study revealed that older adults prefer to be active participants in their care. The major theme that emerged was true partnership. Three sub-themes that emerged were communication, respect, and trust. These three sub-themes work in unity to contribute to a healthcare experience that exemplifies true partnerships. This study proposes a definition of true partnership as being open to and inviting mutual communication in an atmosphere that encourages equity sharing of information contributing to respect and the development of trust that results in confident collaboration in care

10/48 Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces 1942 - 1945

"[1]0/48 Battalion A.I.F. 1942 - 1945 ________ SX23027 Pte. G. Mudge SX32781 Pte. C.E. Roesler SX23004 Sgt. N.L. Roesler SX16231 Cpl. G.R. Schlein SX23020 Cpl. P.E. Schultz SX27952 Pte. A.G. Starrick SX24790 Pte. R.L. Starkey SX27946 Pte. H.G. Sickert Maj. H.E. Moore E.D. Capt. C.V. Mattinson Capt. R.L. McDougall M.C. Cpl. Norm Datson Pte. 'Pop' Saunders"."[1]0/48 Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces, 1942 - 1945 ________ SX23027 Private G. Mudge SX32781 Private C.E. Roesler SX23004 Sergeant N.L. Roesler SX16231 Corporal G.R. Schlein SX23020 Corporal P.E. Schultz SX27952 Private A.G. Starrick SX24790 Private R.L. Starkey SX27946 Private H.G. Sickert Major H.E. Moore, Efficiency Decoration Captain C.V. Mattinson Captain R.L. McDougall, Military Cross Corporal Norm Datson Private 'Pop' SaundersThe quilt was assembled between 1992 and 1994. It was first put on display at the Northern Territory Library in 1995