Applied Language and Speech Sciences Ph.D candidate to give Visionary Session at ASHA Conference

Warren Brown, a Ph.D. candidate in Applied Language and Speech Sciences at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, will present his research on traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) during the prestigious Visionary Session at the 2024 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Conference in December.

His work sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of brain injury rehabilitation: the impact of healthcare providers' communication and support on patient recovery.

Brown's research, mentored by leading experts in the field, Dr. Jerry Hoepner from the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and Dr. Louise Keegan from Moravian University, explores the frustration and social withdrawal experienced by individuals with TBIs due to perceived lack of support from healthcare providers. His work emphasizes the profound influence this has on their interpersonal relationships, self-identity, and overall recovery.

"Our goal was to develop a theoretical framework that healthcare providers can use to improve communication and collaboration with TBI patients during rehabilitation," said Brown. "We conducted interviews with individuals who have experienced both new and long-standing brain injuries, capturing their perspectives on interactions with healthcare providers such as physicians, nurses, and therapists."

The result of these interviews is a theoretical model that highlights the attributes of provider communication, knowledge of TBI, and patient-family collaboration. This model aims to serve as a practical tool for healthcare professionals, including speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and physicians, to enhance patient outcomes by fostering better patient-provider relationships.

Notably, Brown’s current focus includes addressing the racial disparities affecting Black and African American individuals with TBIs. "We are collecting data on brain-injured individuals who identify as Black/African American," Brown explained. "African Americans face higher rates of TBIs and poorer recovery outcomes due to barriers such as access to care and insurance disparities."

Brown is set to graduate this December, bringing with him over a decade of clinical experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, primarily working with adults with neurogenic communicative disorders in acute care, rehabilitation, and home health settings across Louisiana. He also runs a Black Aphasia group through the Aphasia Center of Acadiana and is a member of several professional organizations, including ASHA, NBASLH, and ANCDS.

His presentation at the 2024 ASHA Conference will not only spotlight his research but also honor his mentor, Dr. Louise Keegan, a graduate of the UL Lafayette ALSS Ph.D. program and the recipient of the 2024 ASHA Fellow Award, one of the organization’s highest honors.

"Warren is one of our SREB fellowship holders," said Dr. Ryan Nelson, Communicative Disorders department head. "We are fortunate to have him in our program. His research and collaborative efforts are innovative and facilitating a needed evolution in patient-provider relationships. His work with both Dr. Hoepner and Dr. Kegan, an ALSS alumni, exemplifies the impact and value of UL Lafayette's investment in doctoral students and faculty."

For more information about participating in this project, click here.