Purpose: Discourse is integral to everyday communication, and improving discourse outcomes is a primary goal for individuals with aphasia and their families. Consequently, the application of discourse analysis in aphasia assessment and treatment has gained increasing attention. Despite its recognized value among both researchers and clinicians, several barriers—such as limited time, inadequate training, and lack of resources—continue to impede the widespread use of discourse analysis into clinical practice. To facilitate its broader adoption, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) require access to comprehensive resources that include information on discourse tasks, outcome measures, psychometric properties, and practical examples of how to implement discourse assessments effectively. Equipping clinicians with this knowledge will promote the more consistent and effective use of discourse analysis in clinical settings.
Method: This clinical tutorial, developed by members of the FOQUSAphasia Writing Group—comprising both researchers and clinical practitioners—offers an overview of recommended spoken discourse collection and analysis procedures. It includes a series of case studies to illustrate how discourse analysis can be applied in various clinical contexts involving individuals with diverse aphasia profiles. In addition, the tutorial provides practical recommendations and considerations for incorporating discourse analysis into clinical aphasia services, along with suggestions for future research.
Conclusion: Spoken discourse production can be an important indicator of communication ability in individuals with aphasia. This tutorial is intended to support clinicians by providing best practice guidelines and practical ways for integrating discourse analysis into aphasia assessment and treatment. Its goal is to encourage clinicians to apply discourse-based approaches more effectively and consistently, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals with aphasia.
