Applications of the R.A.I.S.E. Assessment Framework to Support the Process of Assessment in Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Purpose: To establish the extent to which person-centered processes are integrated in assessment procedures, the Relationship, Assessment, Inclusion, Support, Evolve (R.A.I.S.E.) Assessment framework was used to evaluate measures that are typically used when assessing people living with primary progressive aphasia (PPA).

Method: Forty-five assessment tools were evaluated through the lens of the five R.A.I.S.E. principles: building the client-clinician Relationship, Assessment choices, Including the client and care partners, providing Support, and Evolving procedures to match client capability and progression. The principles were operationalized as questions for raters to evaluate whether a measure met this aspect of the R.A.I.S.E. Assessment framework.

Results: Ten measures commonly used in the assessment of people living with PPA met all R.A.I.S.E. principles. These measures centered upon the elicitation of naturalistic discourse, conversation, client self-report, and clinician ratings. Thirteen measures did not meet any of the criteria, and represented standardized evaluation procedures do not provide the opportunity to connect to the client, elicit or provide feedback or support, nor to adapt in response to need or performance.

Conclusions: Whether using standardized or informal assessment tools, a relational and qualitative approach to providing assessment is paramount to promote client success and therapeutic engagement. We provide guidance through the R.A.I.S.E. framework on practices to cultivate person-centered processes of assessment in the care of people living with PPA.