Screening by nurses for aphasia in stroke - the Ullevaal Aphasia Screening (UAS) test

Author(s): Thoresen, G. E., BautzHolter, E., Laake, K.

Journal/Book: Disabil Rehabil. 1999; 21: One Gunpowder Square, London EC4a 3de, England. Taylor & Francis Ltd. 110-115.

Abstract: Purpose: In Norway, the speech therapist is responsible for the assessment of language impairment after stroke, but many hospitals have no speech therapist. This study therefore developed and evaluated a simple method to be used by nurses to detect aphasia in the acute stage of stroke; the Ullevaal Aphasia Screening (UAS) test. Method: The study was carried out among 37 stroke patients admitted to an acute stroke unit. They were assessed by nurses using the UAS, while the results of a comprehensive assessment by a speech therapist acted as the 'gold standard'. Results: The predictive value of a positive test was 0.67 and that of a negative test 0.93; only two out of 28 who screened negative on the UAS were diagnosed with mild aphasia by the speech therapist. The weighted kappa coefficient of agreement was 0.83. Indicating a strong agreement between the nurses and speech therapists' scoring. The screening took 5-15 minutes to complete. Conclusion: The Ullevaal Aphasia screening test seems to be a short and valid screening instrument for aphasia in the acute stage of stroke, but further studies would be needed to substantiate the efficacy of the UAS test.

Note: Article Thommessen B, Ullevaal Univ Hosp, Dept Geriatr Med, Oslo, NORWAY

Keyword(s): aphasia; stroke; screening; LANGUAGE

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