Student Perspectives of an Interprofessional Cooking Group for Individuals with Aphasia

Cooking is an activity that is meaningful for many people. After a stroke, many individuals lose opportunities to cook, often due to physical or cognitive limitations, or challenges with receptive language skills for individuals with aphasia (IwA) (Bailey & Waddoups, 2023). A Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA; Chapey et al., 2000) is important for supporting individuals to participate in everyday interactions and re-engage in activities of their choice.Implementation: Since 2018, seven cohorts of students (n=28) in speech language pathology, occupational therapy, nutrition, and undergraduate health programs have participated in a semester-long, student-led, interprofessional cooking group for IwA, informed by the LPAA. The interprofessional student team selects healthy recipes, creates an aphasia-friendly format of the recipes, supports IwA with language tasks and use of adaptive equipment, and promotes nutritional awareness. Students are supported by two faculty. The objectives of the group were for IwA to increase their confidence and skills in meal preparation, and work on their language and communication goals in a supportive, social environment; and for students to learn skills in supporting communication and participation of IwA, and practice interprofessional teamwork skills.Evaluation plan: In Fall 2024, an interprofessional team of five students facilitated the cooking group for nine IwA. At the end of the semester, students participated in a focus group discussing their new learning about aphasia, supporting communication, and interprofessional teamwork. The transcript was analysed using thematic analysis. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) determined that the study did not require IRB approval.Outcome(s) and significance: Students valued the opportunity to build relationships with IwA which enhanced their knowledge about the clinical features of aphasia, and how to support communication and participation. Students also valued the hands-on experience of working interprofessionally and learning more about the different professions. Detailed discussion of the findings will be provided in the presentation.