Optimising communication function in primary brain tumour: a randomised controlled trial of CanCommunicate.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of CanCommunicate for improving perceived communication disability and quality of life in people with brain tumour, compared to usual care. A randomised trial with a waitlist control was used. Participants were randomised to CanCommunicate (immediate intervention) or a wait list (control). CanCommunicate involved a 7-week communication intervention guided by Goal Attainment Scaling with group and individualised sessions. Participants completed the Comprehensive Aphasia Test Disability Questionnaire (CAT DQ), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G), La Trobe Communication questionnaire (LCQ) and semi-structured interviews at baseline and post-intervention. 39 people participated (Immediate intervention <i>n</i> = 24, waitlist <i>n</i> = 15). There was a significant between-group difference on the CAT DQ over time (<i>p</i> = 0.04) in favour of the intervention group, but not for the LCQ (<i>p</i> = 0.58) or FACT-G (<i>p</i> = 0.80). When data were combined for all participants who completed CanCommunicate (<i>n</i> = 23), ratings were significantly improved on the CAT-DQ (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and LCQ (<i>p</i> = 0.04) at 6-week follow-up. Participants perceived CanCommunicate favourably and made suggestions for further optimisation. The current study supports the benefits of communication intervention for people with brain tumour and reinforces the need for tailored, goal-based interventions.