Role of the speech pathologist

8.2 Speech pathologists should be part of the discharge planning team and adopt an advocacy role to promote optimal care.

Reference: Ellis-Hill et al., 2009: Qualitative study; Hersh, 2009: Qualitative study.

NHMRC level of evidence:  Qual. 

Rationale:  Multiple opportunities should be made available, from early on, for both the person with aphasia and their family, friends and carers to discuss their available discharge options, as well as any fears or concerns they may have.

People with aphasia are often confused by their discharge and transition arrangements and may benefit from the added support of a speech pathologist using supported communication strategies to explain the process and invite the person’s participation in discussions and decision-making (Ellis-Hill et al., 2009; Hersh, 2009)

 References:

1. Hersh, D. (2009). Breaking the connection: Why is it so difficult to talk about discharge with our clients with aphasia? International Journal of Speech Language Pathology, 11(2), 147-154. doi: 10.1080/17549500802579103
2. Ellis-Hill, C., Robison, J., Wiles, R., McPherson, K., Hyndman, D., & Ashburn, A. (2009). Going home to get on with life: Patients and carers experiences of being discharged from hospital following stroke. Disability and Rehabilitation, 31(2), 61-72. doi: 10.1080/09638280701775289