This section aims to facilitate successful transitions across the rehabilitation continuum for people with aphasia.
In this section you will find best practice statements, resources and information that focuses on planning for transitions -
Best Practice Statements
These statements have been updated by the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation (Aphasia CRE) in 2024 in accordance with the most up to date research and expert opinion. (Statements originally developed by the NHMRC CCRE in Aphasia Rehabilitation in 2014)
Click on the statement for NHMRC level of evidence ratings, supporting rationales, resources and further information.
8.1 Planning for the next phase should be initiated as early as possible
8.2 Speech pathologists should be part of the discharge planning team and adopt an advocacy role to promote optimal care
8.3 During transitions, timely, up-to-date, accurate and appropriate patient-related information should be shared with the receiving healthcare providers
8.4 At the time of any discharge or transition, information that includes current diagnosis, action plans, follow-up care, and goals should be provided to the person with aphasia, and their family, friends and carers using relevant language and communication formats.
8.5 The speech pathologist, as part of an interdisciplinary team approach, should contribute information about the communication skills of the person with aphasia that may influence appropriateness of discharge.
8.6 Services that provide early supported discharge should ensure that the person with aphasia and their family are linked in with ongoing (social) supports and appropriately prepared for the transition.
8.7 The speech pathologist should connect the person with aphasia and their family, friends and carers with other people with aphasia, community aphasia groups, and support organisations.
8.8 As part of the multidisciplinary team, the speech pathologist should, for legal issues, document all observations regarding the person’s ability to understand written and verbal information and express their wishes.
8.9 People with aphasia and their family, friends and carers should have access to a contact person (e.g., a stroke coordinator or speech pathologist) for any queries post-discharge, and should know how to self-refer to appropriate speech pathology services after discharge if they feel further rehabilitation is required.
Additional considerations when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients
7.6 Speech pathologists should offer the involvement of an Aboriginal Liaison Officer (ALO) and/or Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW)* where possible to advise on cultural issues and liaise with the person with aphasia and family.
7.8 Speech pathologists should incorporate clinical yarning as a means to build rapport and trust with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person and their family and to discuss speech pathology terms in a relevant and culturally appropriate way.
7.11 Speech pathologists should develop an awareness of local Aboriginal health services and Aboriginal specific social services.
