Identifying mechanisms of change in a conversation therapy for aphasia using behaviour change theory and qualitative methods.

Background: Conversation therapy for aphasia is a complex intervention comprising multiple components and targeting multiple outcomes. UK Medical Research Council (MRC) guidelines published in 2008 recommend that in addition to measuring the outcomes of complex interventions, evaluation should seek to clarify how such outcomes are produced, including identifying the hypothesized mechanisms of change.

Aims: To identify mechanisms of change within a conversation therapy for people with aphasia and their partners.