Week 2: The Speech Pathology Role

What is the role of a speech pathologist?

• Assess & manage speech/swallowing disorders

• Provide education & training

• Support multidisciplinary teams

Why is education important in speech pathology?

• Speech pathologists can't monitor all clients constantly

• Train others to assist in care

Who are the key members of a multidisciplinary team?

• Neurologist

• Physiotherapist

• Occupational therapist

• Nurse

• Dietitian

• Social worker

• Speech pathologist

What is the neurologist's role in stroke management?

• Assess brain injury extent

• Determine medical/pharmacological interventions

How does a physiotherapist contribute to swallowing care?

• Establish safe seating positions for feeding

What role does an occupational therapist play in feeding?

• Modify eating utensils

• Consider long-term meal prep strategies

What are nurses responsible for in speech pathology care?

• Monitor patient progress

• Identify new issues

• Implement speech pathologist’s recommendations

How does a dietitian assist with swallowing disorders?

• Assess nutrition & hydration

• Evaluate energy requirements & supplementation options

What is the role of a social worker in patient care?

• Assess support systems

• Identify funding needs

• Plan hospital discharge

What is the primary aim of a speech/swallowing assessment?

• Identify disorder nature & severity

• Develop management plan

What factors influence healthcare team composition?

• Client’s diagnosis

• Medical history

• Social circumstances

How do speech pathologists develop an assessment plan?

• Review medical records/referrals

• Identify risk factors (e.g., recurrent chest infections)

What are common speech/swallowing assessments?

• Oral motor assessment

• Perceptual speech evaluation

• Bedside swallowing assessment

Why must speech/swallowing assessments be thorough?

• Unknown factors can impact diagnosis & treatment

What sources inform a speech pathologist’s diagnosis?

• Medical records & referrals

• Patient history & diagnostic tests

• Input from health professionals

What key details are found in medical records?

• Reason for referral

• Past medical history

• Current concerns

• Diagnostic test results

• Symptom progression

What are types of symptom progression?

• Sudden onset (e.g., stroke)

• Gradual progression (e.g., degenerative disease)

Why is client/family input important?

• Insight into symptom history

• Management strategies

• Impact on daily life

What basic details are recorded in assessment?

- Age, Gender, Living/social status, Medical history

What is dysarthria?

• Motor speech disorder

• Caused by neurological impairment

Why is it important to identify the cause of dysarthria?

Effective intervention requires knowing the underlying issue.

Why is understanding patient perception important?

• Understand concerns & challenges

• Identify effective strategies

Why must interventions be evidence-based?

• Outdated methods (e.g., tongue exercises) ineffective

• Use task-specific neural activation

Why must assessments be client-centered?

Focus on patient’s goals, not just impairment/