Aphasia Goals

We developed the FOURC model (pronounced “fork”) to help speech-language pathologists collaborate with their clients who have aphasia and other neurologic communication disorders, coordinate interventions, and expect to achieve positive outcomes in everyday communication and wellbeing. The model is grounded in three fundamental principles:

1. to begin all planning with the end in mind
2. to promote active client participation and support psychological well-being
3. to synchronize treatment components into a holistic plan Our vision is to develop applications across the neurorehabilitation continuum

Collaborative FOURC

The first version of the FOURC model was developed in collaboration with clinicians working in outpatient settings. It was published as a 2019 tutorial in the American Journal of Speech Language Pathology. This model was designed to result in meaningful communication outcomes for clients and to support active planning and accountability for those who have lived with their communication disorder for a while. You can read more on the Collaborative FOURC page.

Haley KL, Cunningham KT, Barry J, & de Riesthal M (2019). Collaborative goals for communicative life participation in aphasia: The FOURC model. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 28 (1), 1-13. https://doi:10.1044/2018_AJSLP-18-0163

Acute Care FOURC

In 2023, we began working on adapting FOURC to acute care. The anticipated outcome is to ensure that patients are informed about their communication disorder, able to participate as decision-makers in their own care and discharge plan, and have had positive experiences communicating even during the earliest stages of recovery. We are busy working on a tutorial that will  hopefully come out in 2026. In the meantime, we are offering print resources on the Acute Care FOURC page. Please check continuing education offerings, including at the ASHA 2026 convention.