Melanie Kirmess

• Sønsterud, Hilda; Kirmess, Melanie; Howells, Kirsten; Ward, David; Feragen, Kristin Judith Billaud & Halvorsen, Margrethe S. (2019). The working alliance in stuttering treatment: a neglected variable?. International journal of language and communication disorders.  ISSN 1368-2822.  s 1- 14 . doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.12465
• Nordbø, Bodil; Sønsterud, Hilda & Kirmess, Melanie (2018). Norske normer for OASES-A – et kartleggingsverktøy for voksne som stammer. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  64(3), s 12- 19
• Øra, Hege Prag; Kirmess, Melanie; Brady, Marian C.; Winsnes, Ingvild Elisabeth; Hansen, Silje Merethe & Becker, Frank (2018). Telerehabilitation for aphasia - Protocol of a pragmatic, exploratory, pilot randomized controlled trial. Trials.  ISSN 1745-6215.  19(208) . doi: 10.1186/s13063-018-2588-5 Fulltekst i vitenarkiv.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Constraint induced språkterapi - en praktisk guide for implementering av metoden i afasirehabilitering i Norge. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  61(1), s 26- 33
• Becker, Frank; Kirmess, Melanie; Tornås, Sveinung & Løvstad, Marianne (2014). A description of cognitive rehabilitation at Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital - Balancing comprehensive holistic rehabilitation and retraining of specific functional domains. NeuroRehabilitation (Reading, MA).  ISSN 1053-8135.  34(1), s 87- 100 . doi: 10.3233/NRE-131015
• Becker, Frank; Kirmess, Melanie; Bønes, Erlend & Hansen, Silje Merethe (2013). Språktrening rett hjem : en pilotstudie om telemedisinsk afasirehabilitering. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(4), s 16- 24
• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Oversatt artikkel: Logopedisk fremtid- allerede i dag. (Originalartikkel: ASHA-leader: The future present, 18.1.2013. Oversatt med tillatelse). Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(2), s 14- 22
• Kirmess, Melanie (2012). Bildediagnostikk av hjernen innen afasirehabilitering. Hva kan vi lære av det og hvor mye kan vi stole på det?. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  58(2), s 8- 15
• Kirmess, Melanie; Becker, Frank; Hvistendahl, Anne Katherine & Günther, Live (2012). The SunCIST program - A clincial approach for intensive aphasia rehabilitation. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences.  ISSN 1877-0428.  61, s 18- 19

Se alle arbeider i Cristin

• Hansen, Silje Merethe; Stubberud, Jan & Kirmess, Melanie (2018). Group Based Treatment for Persons With Social Communication Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2018). Disputation Linn Stokke Guttormsen (Blog post).
• Kirmess, Melanie (2018). Intervju med logoped Elaina Kefalianos, University of Melbourne. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  64(3), s 30- 31
• Kirmess, Melanie (2018). New minds, new thoughts – Feedback for the EST presentation at the ComPros seminar with Cathrine Snow (Blog post).
• Kirmess, Melanie (2018). Wrapping up for Christmas and preparing for the new year (Blog post).
• Kirmess, Melanie (2018). Writing retreat at Klitgården Refugium, Denmark (Blog Post).
• Sønsterud, Hilda; Howells, Kirsten; Halvorsen, Margrethe S.; Feragen, Kristin Judith Billaud; Ward, David & Kirmess, Melanie (2018). The importance of the working alliance in stuttering therapy: Client perceptions.
• Sønsterud, Hilda; Kirmess, Melanie; Feragen, Kristin Judith Billaud; Ward, David & Halvorsen, Margrethe S. (2018). Minding the body in speecy: Individualized therapy for adults who stutter..
• Sønsterud, Hilda; Kirmess, Melanie; Halvorsen, Margrethe S.; Feragen, Kristin Judith Billaud & Ward, David (2018). Individualized therapy for adults who stutter: An evaluation on speech and avoidance behaviour. Vis sammendrag

  Abstract. Purpose: Evidence suggests that there is considerable individual variation in response to stuttering interventions. Despite this knowledge, stuttering research has so far mainly focused on demonstrating outcomes from a particular stuttering treatment approach at the time. There is a need to investigate personal variation in stuttering symptoms and manage that variability through personalized and holistic based management plans. This approach is context sensitive and places the individual’s specific concerns at the core of therapy. One approach which has increased in popularity within the stuttering field, is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The main goal in ACT is to foster psychological flexibility, which is achieved through the six core processes of acceptance, diffusion, self as context, committed action, values, and contact with the present moment. In this study ACT was used as a working frame. Based on the individual’s perspective, ACT was used flexibly, and was combined with stuttering-, and speech modification elements. We categorized stuttering- and speech modification-, and mindfulness-based elements into five areas of focus: 1) Awareness of body tension and posture, 2) Awareness of breath support in speech production, 3) Awareness in speech production to promote easier voicing, 4) Awareness of acceptance, affective and mindfulness-based strategies, and 5) Awareness presentation skills. We call this the ‘Minding the body in speech’-approach. Aims: The aims of this study were twofold: 1) To evaluate whether the ‘Minding the body in speech’-approach reduces stuttering severity for participants with overt stuttering. 2) To evaluate the extent to which the ‘Minding the body in speech’-approach has a positive impact on confidence in communication, avoidance behavior, and quality of life. Methods: Eighteen adults, age 21-61 years (mean age 35,5) took part in a multiple single case design study. Participants underwent a six-week pre-clinic assessment phase, followed by an eight-week explorative therapy period comprising a total of 10 hours within four therapy sessions administered by an experienced speech and language therapist specialized in fluency disorders. Each participant was re-tested for speech and a range of cognitive and emotional variables immediately after therapy, and again at six, and 12 months post-therapy. Results: Sustained improvements are demonstrated in the participants’ speech behavior, communication, and quality of life. Significant reduction in avoidance behavior on both individual-, and group-level is documented. At group level, the ‘Minding the body in speech’-approach was associated with positive statistical, clinical and personal significance. On an individual basis, the variability in response to the holistic multi-faceted approach was substantial. The findings indicated significantly greater improvement in outcomes for participants who reported an intensive home-based training compared to those who reported ‘now-and then’-training. Conclusion: As shown in this study, the relative weighting between the areas of focus needed to vary from individual to individual. Multiple factors were found to influence stuttering and stuttering related psychological variables at post-therapy. The intensity of the self-managed practice was a key factor in achieving long-lasting, positive change.

• Aven, Synne L.; Sortland, Ida Gaarder; Hansen, Silje M. & Kirmess, Melanie (2017). How did you like to participate in the SunCIST program - and was it useful?. Vis sammendrag

  Background and Aims: In general, there is still a lack of acknowledged recommendations concerning the effectiveness of aphasia rehabilitation programs, whereas constrained induced language therapy has been described as one of the positive trends in several Chochrane-reviews. Sunnaas rehabilitation hospital offers a 3-week intensive aphasia program based on the principles of CILT within a holistic, multi-disciplinary group setting, called SunCIST. Intervention outcomes are usually presented by various forms of test results, whereas there seems to be distinctly fewer reports of user evaluation of the meaningfulness of aphasia programs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the evaluation by the person with aphasia (PWA) themselves who had participated in the SunCIST program. Methods: As part of the assessment battery, all SunCIST participants are asked to evaluate the SunCIST program by the end of the intervention period. The evaluation form consists of four open ended questions for an overall impression, as well as 14 questions with a 5-point Likert-scale choice for detailed feedback on subjects as content, picture material, intensity, usefulness, tiredness etc. The evaluation form is provided in an aphasia friendly format, with illustrating pictures and all possibilities for support by the SLP in order to promote a response by the PWA. Data analyses included both quantitative and qualitative data. The main focus of this presentation is on the qualitative data from the open ended questions. Results: The study included evaluation forms from a 4 year period, in total from 95 PWA, aged 22-78 years (M=57.6) with varying degrees of aphasia from severe to mild. Time post onset varied from 4 months to 34 years (M=4.4 years, SD =5.8). The majority of the participants were generally satisfied and reported overall positive feedback to the SunCIST program. Preliminary data analyses point to few significant differences between participants; however there are tendencies that women, the oldest participants, and PWAs after cerebral insults report a higher degree of satisfaction. Interestingly, there is no strong correlation in satisfaction and meaningfulness of the program connected to the changes in language test outcomes pre to post test. Discussion: The main critical point of the analysed data concerns the data collection by the treating SLP and incomplete answers. Conclusions: SunCIST receives generally a high score on satisfaction, with constructive critical comments on improvement concerning as different parts as e.g., the picture material, intensity, and group member’s aphasia severity. Implications for clinical practice: This is one of the rare studies based on evaluation of an intervention program by the PWA. Hence, it offers relevant insight in how SunCIST fits persons with various degrees of aphasia and gives valuable feedback on which parts of the program that could be even more tailored for individual needs and better outcome. This form of feedback provides thereby the PWA with an important voice for user participation.

• Feiken, Judith & Kirmess, Melanie (2017). Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS) - A type of kinetic Apraxia of Speech (AOS).
• Kirmess, Melanie (2017). Challenges and examples from measuring treatment outcome following constraint induced language therapy and relating types of aphasia intervention.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2017). Evidensbasert praksis, PICO-spørsmål, kjernespørsmål - Hvordan påvirker dette din logopediske hverdag?.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2017). "Jeg har hatt det inspirerende og gøy!" Intervju med Anne-Lise Rygvold. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  63(3), s 48- 51
• Sønsterud, Hilda; Halvorsen, Margrethe S.; Feragen, Kristin Judith Billaud; Ward, David & Kirmess, Melanie (2017). What do people search for in stuttering therapy -personal goal-setting as a gold standard? Aim.
• Sønsterud, Hilda; Howells, Kirsten; Halvorsen, Margrethe S.; Feragen, Kristin Judith Billaud; Ward, David & Kirmess, Melanie (2017). The working alliance in stuttering therapy: A neglected variable?.
• Sønsterud, Hilda; Kirmess, Melanie; Halvorsen, Margrethe S.; Feragen, Kristin Judith Billaud & Ward, David (2017). Individualized stuttering therapy for adults - what works for whom?.
• Winsnes, Ingvild Elisabeth; Øra, Hege Prag; Kirmess, Melanie & Becker, Frank (2017). Aphasia telerehabilitation - A digital enterprise (experience from the SLT intervention).
• Øra, Hege Prag; Kirmess, Melanie; Bergersen, Hilde; Winsnes, Ingvild Elisabeth; Erlenkamp, Sonja; Myklebost, Marthe Brurok & Kleven, Bjørn (2017). Evidence-based aphasia rehabilitation guidelines - Multidisciplinary implementation through an E-learning program.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2016). Redaktøren har ordet: Logopediens dag fokuserer på verbal dyspraksi. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  62(1), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2016). SunCIST i et brukerperspektiv - Evaluering og tilrettelegging.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2016). Sunnaas intensive afasiprogram(SunCIST) i et langtidsperspektiv.
• Kirmess, Melanie; Røste, Ingvild & Karlsen, Jannicke (2016). Redaktøren har ordet. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  62(2), s 3- 3
• Øra, Hege Prag; Kirmess, Melanie; Brady, Marian C.; Winsnes, Ingvild Elisabeth & Becker, Frank (2016). Aphasia telerehabilitation early post stroke.
• Erlenkamp, Sonja; Kirmess, Melanie; Bergersen, Hilde; Audestad, Solveig & Becker, Frank (2015). Promoting evidence-based aphasia rehabilitation – guidelines at Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Constraint induced språkterapi (CIST) - et gruppetilbud for intensiv afasirehabilitering.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Disputas Marianne Klem. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  61(1), s 44- 45
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Kildebruk. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  61(3), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Kompetanse og veiledning. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  61(1), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Nettressurser for støttet samtale for afasirammede. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  61(4), s 38- 40
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Praktiske vurderinger rundt afasigrupper basert på constraint induced språkterapi.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Redaktøren har ordet. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  61(4), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Redaktøren har ordet. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  61(2), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Revisjon av Nasjonal retningslinje for behandling og rehabilitering av hjerneslag. Referat fra møte i referansegruppen. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  61(4), s 36- 37
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Skattekisten: Intervju med Liv Stabell Kulø. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  61(2), s 20- 22
• Kirmess, Melanie (2015). Sunnaas intensive afasitreningsprogram (SunCIST).
• Kirmess, Melanie; Heiberg, Ellen; Kjeldaas, Hege; Krohn, Silje & Wennberg, Ulrika (2015). The long term outcome of the SunCIST program.
• Kirmess, Melanie; Røste, Ingvild & Vøyne, Jannicke (2015). Referat: Norsk logopedlagets vinterkurs. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  61(2), s 10- 14
• Kirmess, Melanie (2014). Bokanmeldelse: Evidensbasert praksis i logopedi. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  60(2), s 42- 43
• Kirmess, Melanie (2014). Bokanmeldelse: Klinisk forskningsmetode for logopeder og audiopedagoger. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  60(2), s 44- 45
• Kirmess, Melanie (2014). Constraint induced language therapy for aphasia rehabilitation. The SunCIST program.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2014). Disputas Jannicke Karlsen. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  60(4), s 40- 41
• Kirmess, Melanie (2014). Høsttakk. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  60(3), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2014). Logopeden – hvem er du og hvor vil du?. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  60(4), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2014). Logopedisk tips 1 "Støttet samtale". Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  60(4), s 42- 42
• Kirmess, Melanie (2014). Språktrening døgnet rundt. Kommunikasjon og rehabilitering i hverdagen.
• Kirmess, Melanie & Hansen, Silje Merethe (2014). Referat: Afasidagene 13. og 14. november 2014. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  60(4), s 36- 38
• Kirmess, Melanie; Nordli, Heidi & Becker, Frank (2014). ”Kan man være for god for deltakelse på CIST?” – Erfaringer fra Sunnaas intensive afasitilbud (SunCIST) for godt fungerende afasirammede.
• Kirmess, Melanie; Vøyne, Jannicke & Røste, Ingvild (2014). Referat: Norsk logopedlagets etterutdanningskurs og landsmøte 2014. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  60(3), s 32- 37
• Hansen, Silje Merethe; Bønes, Erlend; Becker, Frank & Kirmess, Melanie (2013). ”Face to face, just with a camera” – exploring videoconference-based telerehabilitation for aphasia. Vis sammendrag

  ”Face to face, just with a camera” – exploring videoconference-based telerehabilitation for aphasia Introduction Ensuring individually tailored aphasia rehabilitation of sufficient intensity and duration is challenging in rural countries like Norway. Aphasia telerehabilitation has the potential to widen the access to speech-language therapists (SLT) when limited due to geographical or physical barriers, and its effectiveness has been demonstrated (Brennan et al 2004; Mashima & Doarn 2008). However, research on this topic is rare; furthermore, international differences and ongoing technical development require further studies. Research questions This pilot study explored the use of aphasia telerehabilitation focusing on the applicability of an internet-based videoconference format for a) “ordinary” treatment by interaction between the person with aphasia and the SLT, and b) SLT supervision of data program training (Lexia, Gunnilstam & Mårtens 2008). Methods A qualitative case study was conducted with 4 participants who received videoconference-based aphasia rehabilitation in their home for 2-5 hours/week for 3 weeks. Cisco Jabber Video and the remote access program LogMeIn were used. For each session, a log form regarding technical experiences and satisfaction with treatment was completed by participants and the treating SLT. In addition, qualitative interviews were performed after treatment. Results Log forms and interview results show an overall satisfaction in all 4 participants. Technical problems were described as “rather small”. Interaction between participants and SLT was experienced as similar to face-to-face treatment sessions. People with aphasia emphasized the advantages of treatment in their home environment, flexibility with regard to incorporation of treatment in their daily schedule and less travel time. The SLT highlighted the importance of remote access to the participants’ computer providing the opportunity to assist when needed. The SLT could see only the participant’s head, limiting her possibilities to register gestural communication. Discussion While experiences from this pilot study are promising, future aphasia telerehabilitation should include more extensive information before start (e.g. a leaflet), and a checklist regarding the physical environment to be applied before each session. The perception of all gestural communication should be possible. Telerehabilitation may be particularly well suited in the transition from hospital to community care. Continuing SLT in this phase may positively affect the quality of life for persons with aphasia. References Brennan, D.M., Georgeadis, A.C., Baron, C.R. & Barker, L.M. (2004). The Effect of Videoconference- Based Telerehabilitation on Story Retelling Performance by Brain-Injured Subjects and Its Implications for Remote Speech-Language Therapy. Telemedicine and e-health. 10 (2), 147- 154. Gunnilstam, O. & Mårtens, M. (2008). Lexia versjon 3.0. Stiftelsen Stora Skøndal. Mashima, P.A. & Doarn, C.R. (2008). Overview of Telehealth Activities in Speech-Language Pathology. Telemedicine and e-health. 14 (10) 1102-1117.

• Hansen, Silje Merethe; Bønes, Erlend; Becker, Frank & Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Språktrening rett hjem. Vis sammendrag

  Formålet med prosjektet “Språktrening rett hjem” har vært å utprøve og evaluere om telemedisin og videokonferanse potensielt kan øke behandlingshyppigheten på språktreningen personer med afasi får etter utskrivelse fra sykehus. I tillegg skulle behovet for e-læring innen afasi, for pasienter, pårørende og helsepersonell evalueres. Fire pasienter deltok i prosjektet. Alle hadde afasi av lett til moderat vanskelighetsgrad. Pasientene hadde noe erfaring med bruk av data, men ingen hadde erfaring med bruk av videokonferanse. Vi prøvde to typer for språktrening, og pasientene fikk språktrening som ble gitt over en periode på tre uker. Prosjektets erfaringer viser at språktrening hjem til pasienten via videokonferanse kan være et godt tilbud. Pasientene slipper reise, og kan få bedre kontinuitet i opplæringen, samtidig som bruk av fjernstyringsprogram åpner for variert og tilpasset språktrening. Noen problemer og vansker som kan oppstå, og hvordan disse kan unngås er detaljert beskrevet her. De viktigste anbefalingene for videre telemedisinsk språktrening er: god informasjon på forhånd til pasienter og pårørende, mulighet for fjernstyring av pasientens PC, videobildet bør vise pasientens hode og overkropp og det bør etableres en sjekkliste for tilrettelegging av fysisk miljø før hver språktreningstime. Bruk av telemedisinsk språktrening for afasirammede kan være særlig velegnet i videre oppfølging i kommunal helsetjeneste spesielt ved lange geografiske avstander, og i overgangsfasen etter utskrivelse fra sykehus. Pilot- prosjektet ”Språktrening rett hjem” gir et godt utgangspunkt for et eventuelt fremtidig telemedisintilbud for pasienter med afasi, og for studier i større skala.

• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Bokanmeldelse: Kan man elske sin nærmeste som forandrer seg totalt etter en hjerneskade+. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(2), s 56- 57
• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Flerspråklighet på dagsorden. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(4), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Klinisk forskning: Afasi og tilbakeføring til arbeidslivet.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Kurs og faglig oppdatering. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(2), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Melanie Kirmess, Postdoktor og fagsjef for spesialpedagoger, Sunnaas Sykehus HF i samtale med forfatter Margareta Lindholm. Afasiposten.  ISSN 0803-2467.  24(2), s 9- 11
• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Referat: Academy of Aphasia, Luzern, Sveits. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(4), s 44- 45
• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Referat: Norsk dysfaginettverk. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(3), s 32- 33
• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Samtale med Margareta Lindholm. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(2), s 49- 53
• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Språkutvikling og språklæring. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(1), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2013). Teori og praksis. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(3), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie & Becker, Frank (2013). From Word Level Training to Social Conversation – Experience from an Intensive Group Program for Persons with Mild to Moderate Aphasia. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences.  ISSN 1877-0428.  94, s 267- 268
• Kirmess, Melanie & Becker, Frank (2013). From word level training to social communication – Experience from an intensive group program for persons with mild to moderate aphasia.
• Kirmess, Melanie & Becker, Frank (2013). Intensive afasigrupper på Sunnaas: SunCIST-programmet. Afasiposten.  ISSN 0803-2467.  24(3), s 13- 17
• Kirmess, Melanie; Hansen, Silje Merethe & Nordli, Heidi (2013). Referat: Afasidagene 2013. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(4), s 39- 41
• Kirmess, Melanie; Nordli, Heidi & Becker, Frank (2013). "Now we are talking togheter..." Experience from an intensive aphasia group with focus on complex sentence production. Vis sammendrag

  ”Now we are talking together…” Experience from an intensive aphasia group with focus on complex sentence production The importance of intensive treatment with shaping, role-modelling, relevance for daily living and interaction as applied in constraint induced language therapy (CILT) has been demonstrated for successful aphasia rehabilitation (Difrancesco et al., 2012). Sunnaas rehabilitation hospital offers an intensive aphasia program based on the principles of CILT within a holistic, multi-disciplinary group setting (SunCIST) (Kirmess et al., 2012). This poster presents the structure and participant experience of an extended CILT program focussing on complex expressive language production for persons with moderate to mild aphasia. Six persons with mild to moderate aphasia participated in a two- week intensive group program in an inpatient hospital setting. All participants had previously attended the SunCIST program and asked for the possibility to return. The daily program covered three hours of CILT in groups of three persons with aphasia and an experienced speech-language pathologist. CILT included the typical requesting card game for pairs of cards, as well as the collection of sequential sets of 4-6 cards. The picture material was chosen to provide various options for sentence production with different subjects and verbs, numbers of objects, descriptions of the main subject, and the respective response by each participant. Following each round of card games the participants were asked to produce a sentence of their choice to each collected card or a short story to the picture sequences in order to reproduce the words once more in a more personalized context. In addition, all six participants had independent discussion groups in the evening with either given or self-chosen topics. All participants completed a short aphasia assessment pre and post CILT, and a final questionnaire about their experience of this program. Preliminary results show a further increase on the linguistic variables for at least some of the assessments. The personal feedback emphasised the positive experience of being challenged by different linguistic tasks in the structured CIST group, as well as having the opportunity to talk to each other ”all day long” in an environment where they know their aphasic challenges. This is assumed to enhance their communicative skills in a positive way and thereby participation in life. References: Difrancesco, S., Pulvermüller, F., & Mohr, B. (2012). Intensive language-action therapy (ILAT): The methods. Aphasiology, 26(11), 1317-1351. Kirmess, M., Becker, F., Günther, L., & Hvistendahl, A. K. (2012). The SunCIST Program: A Clinical Approach for Intensive Aphasia Rehabilitation. Paper presented at the Academy of Aphasia, San Francisco, USA.

• Kirmess, Melanie; Røste, Ingvild & Vøyne, Jannicke (2013). Referat: Norsk logopedlagets vinterkurs7.-9.mars 2013. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  59(2), s 34- 38
• Svela, Jenny; Hansen, Silje Merethe & Kirmess, Melanie (2013). SLPs as a resource when people with aphasia are returning to work.
• Becker, Frank; Kirmess, Melanie; Günther, Live & Hvistendahl, Anne Kathrine (2012). Intensive aphasia therapy – first results of the Sunnaas Constraint induced Language Therapy program. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair.  ISSN 1545-9683.  26(4), s 405 . doi: 10.1177/1545968312447071 Vis sammendrag

  Introduction/Objectives: Intensive language therapy can lead to improvement in aphasia, e.g. when administered as constraint induced language therapy (CILT). We have clinically established an interdisciplinary intensive language program for patients with aphasia; the Sunnaas CILT program (SunCIST). We present the program and first results. Participants, Materials/Methods: SunCIST is a 3-week in-patient treatment, carried out in groups of 6 patients and provided by an interdisciplinary team. It combines language training on an impairment level with simultaneous focus on activity and social level through functional communication. SunCIST includes 48 hours of structured language activities administered during 16 working days (CILT card game, group activities as news discussion groups). In addition, 25 hours of activities focusing on psychosocial and physical aspects are provided (computer games, forest walks etc.). The in-patient situation facilitates use of language skills in natural social situations. The results from the first 29 participating individuals (17 men) are presented. They participated at median 2.3 years post brain injury at an age of 52.8 years. Language function was assessed immediately before and after intervention using a CILT-training card assessment (trained and untrained cards), Norwegian Basic Aphasia Assessment (subtests auditory comprehension, naming, and repetition), and PALPA section 54 (naming). Results: Statistically significant improvement was found for all applied language measures (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The SunCIST intervention leads to significant improvement in a variety of language parameters. Further research will focus on comparison of treatment / no-treatment and study the impact of time point of intervention as well as neurophysiological correlates.

• Kirmess, Melanie (2012). Academy of aphasia - 50års jubileum. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  58(4), s 52- 54
• Kirmess, Melanie (2012). Afasiforbundeti Norge fyller 25 år. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  58(3), s 42- 44
• Kirmess, Melanie (2012). Et verdig liv. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  58(4), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2012). Kommunikasjon er mer enn ord. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  58(1), s 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2012). Nytt på nytt. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  58(3), s 3- 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2012). Spesialundervisning og behandling i spesialisthelsetjenesten. Hvor går grensen?. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  58(2), s 3
• Kirmess, Melanie (2012). Språktrening etter hjerneslag: Constraint induced språkterapi (CIST). Slagkraft : Medlemsblad for slagsykepleiere.  ISSN 1503-8971.  17(1), s 5- 9
• Kirmess, Melanie (2012). The Modified Barium Swallowing Impairment Profile (MBSImP). Et verktøy for standardisert kartlegging og planlegging av behandling. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  58(2), s 44- 47
• Kirmess, Melanie; Becker, Frank; Günther, Live & Hvistendahl, Anne Kathrine (2012). SunCIST programmet - Erfaringer fra 3 år med intensivt gruppetilbud for afasirehabilitering.
• Kirmess, Melanie; Becker, Frank; Günther, Live & Hvistendahl, Anne Kathrine (2012). The SunCIST Program: A Clinical Approach for Intensive Aphasia Rehabilitation.
• Kirmess, Melanie & Sanders, Anne-Marthe (2012). Det er normalt å glemme.
• Røste, Ingvild; Kirmess, Melanie; Günther, Live & Vøyne, Jannicke (2012). Referat: Logopedlagets etterutdanningskurs og landsmøte 2012. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  58(3), s 35- 40
• Becker, Frank; Günther, Live; Hvistendahl, Anne Kathrine & Kirmess, Melanie (2011). Intensive language therapy program for individuals with aphasia at Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital (SunCIST). Vis sammendrag

  Research suggests that intensive language therapy for individuals with aphasia can lead to improvement, also when it is carried out only over shorter periods of time (Bhogal et al, 2003). Constraint induced language therapy (CILT) is a relatively new form of treatment that focuses on improving acquired expressive language deficits after stroke by applying intensive, use-dependent treatment with constraint to spoken verbal expression. Positive results have been reported for individuals with chronic aphasia (Pulvermüller et al., 2001). At Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital we have started an inpatient intensive language treatment based on the CILT-program by Kirmess (cf. Kirmess & Maher, 2010) for aphasia patients one year or more post onset. Procedures involve card activities using high- and low-frequency picture stimuli with communicative relevance at four levels of complexity, applied in a small group of three participants by a trained speech and language pathologist. In addition to the language therapy, the program has an interdisciplinary group approach that also focuses on psychosocial and physical aspects, as well as use of language skills in natural social situations. The treatment program is carried out as a 3 week intervention for groups of six patients at each time. It was implemented for the first time in December 2009. The participants showed significant improvement on several of the language tests (Becker 2010). The aim of this poster is to present the treatment schedule, preliminary results and directions for further program development.

• Becker, Frank; Kirmess, Melanie; Günther, Live & Hvistendahl, Anne Kathrine (2011). Intensive aphasia therapy – first results of the Sunnaas Constraint induced Language Therapy program. Vis sammendrag

  Introduction/Objectives: Intensive language therapy can lead to improvement in aphasia, e.g. when administered as constraint induced language therapy (CILT). We have clinically established an interdisciplinary intensive language program for patients with aphasia; the Sunnaas CILT program (SunCIST). We present the program and first results. Participants, Materials/Methods: SunCIST is a 3-week in-patient treatment, carried out in groups of 6 patients and provided by an interdisciplinary team. It combines language training on an impairment level with simultaneous focus on activity and social level through functional communication. SunCIST includes 48 hours of structured language activities administered during 16 working days (CILT card game, group activities as news discussion groups). In addition, 25 hours of activities focusing on psychosocial and physical aspects are provided (computer games, forest walks etc.). The in-patient situation facilitates use of language skills in natural social situations. The results from the first 29 participating individuals (17 men) are presented. They participated at median 2.3 years post brain injury at an age of 52.8 years. Language function was assessed immediately before and after intervention using a CILT-training card assessment (trained and untrained cards), Norwegian Basic Aphasia Assessment (subtests auditory comprehension, naming, and repetition), and PALPA section 54 (naming). Results: Statistically significant improvement was found for all applied language measures (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The SunCIST intervention leads to significant improvement in a variety of language parameters. Further research will focus on comparison of treatment / no-treatment and study the impact of time point of intervention as well as neurophysiological correlates.

• Kirmess, Melanie (2011). Bedring av talespråk ved bruk av constraint induced språkterapi (CIST). Afasiposten.  ISSN 0803-2467.  22(3), s 7- 12
• Kirmess, Melanie (2011). Bokomtale: Alltid Alice og Left Neglected. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  57(4), s 53- 53
• Kirmess, Melanie (2011). Constraint induced language therapy in early aphasia rehabilitation.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2011). Constraint induced språkterapi (CIST) i tidlig afasirehabilitering. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  57(3), s 12- 20
• Kirmess, Melanie (2011). Du kan snakke mye.
• Kirmess, Melanie (2011). Fra regelrytter til markedsfører – Organisasjonsutvalgets mangfoldige arbeidsoppgaver. Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  57(1), s 30- 33
• Kirmess, Melanie (2011). "I begynnelsen er ordet, men det trengs mer få å få det det publisert". Norsk tidsskrift for logopedi.  ISSN 0332-7256.  57(3), s 46- 48
• Kirmess, Melanie (2011). “I like to come here and do a job”– Participant Experience of CILT in Early Aphasia Rehabilitation.

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