La Trobe University > Research > Research centres and institutes > Healthy people, families & communities > Aphasia CRE > Research programs and projects > Aphasia Research Hub

Aphasia Research Hub

The Aphasia Research Hub is based at La Trobe University and The University of Queensland and is co-directed by Chief Investigators (CI) Miranda Rose and David Copland [external link], and Associate Investigator Linda Worrall [external link]. Our Hub will expand and deploy an existing research alliance founded by members of our team.

Our aim is to:

  • develop greater efficiencies in conducting pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical complex clinical trials in aphasia
  • promote greater inclusion of people with aphasia in broader stroke trials
  • increase the trial-readiness of Australian aphasia clinical services.

Our hub adds value by:

1. Increasing participation of people with aphasia in general stroke research

A major perceived barrier to the involvement of people with aphasia in research is the inaccurate belief that it is difficult to establish consent from people with aphasia, and that the preferred trial outcome measures cannot be used.

We will develop a Trial Readiness Program for inclusion of people with aphasia. We will advise on aphasia-appropriate:

  • participant information sheets
  • consent forms and process
  • outcome measures

We will also provide direct consultation and online training for stroke researchers without aphasia expertise who want to include aphasia participants in their investigations.

2. Improving trial readiness of clinical sites

To assist with recruitment of aphasia research participants we will:

  • train and support trial-site champions
  • provide online training for clinicians to recruit people with aphasia
  • provide training and support opportunities through the established Stroke and Brain Recovery CRE Trials Development and Management Course
  • develop consensus on minimum requirements for aphasia trial participation
  • provide competency training on generic principles.

Developing a collaborative research agenda

We will build on successfully-piloted collaborative projects by CI Rose and CI Bernhardt and extend the reach to multidisciplinary rehabilitation team members as well as to consumers with aphasia.

Once the collaborative agenda is established we will work toward securing resources to enable implementation of the research agenda during and beyond the life of this CRE, and to achieving answers to important consumer-driven research questions.

Connect with us

Join us: receive latest news and be involved with aphasia research and community activities.

Contact us: collaborate with our team or learn more about aphasia.