Integrating Speech-Language Pathology Services in Palliative End-of-Life Care
Introduction The purpose of this article is to educate the public about the role of a speech language pathologist in end of life care for a patient. This article compares and contrasts the traditional duties of an SLP with the unique SLP role in palliative care. Discussed in depth in this article is the concept of a consult. There are numerous different reasons a speech language pathologist could be called in for a consult such as various communication needs or dysphagia.
Framework
Palliative care is provided to patients who are terminally ill; the goal is to relieve suffering and maximize their quality of life. A speech language pathologist is on the palliative care team and has varying roles from patient to patient. They can consult with the patient, their family, or members of a home nursing staff (i.e., hospice) to give recommendations in the areas of “communication, cognition, and swallowing function.” Regarding communication the goal of the SLP is to provided the patient with the ability to make their own decisions, give them the option to communicate …show more content…
(1) “Communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary team.” You can do this by sharing all information you conclude during your consultation with the team. The sharing of this information across disciplines will help reach patient care goals. (2) “Offer quality care to patients and their families.” To provide qualify care you should focus on both swallowing function and effective communication as both are important to their qualify of life. This article also states that you can offer quality care be being present for your client in both literal and figurative ways. (3) Always strive to learn more about palliative care services and always advocate and educate others about palliative care
Introduction The purpose of this article is to educate the public about the role of a speech language pathologist in end of life care for a patient. This article compares and contrasts the traditional duties of an SLP with the unique SLP role in palliative care. Discussed in depth in this article is the concept of a consult. There are numerous different reasons a speech language pathologist could be called in for a consult such as various communication needs or dysphagia.
Framework
Palliative care is provided to patients who are terminally ill; the goal is to relieve suffering and maximize their quality of life. A speech language pathologist is on the palliative care team and has varying roles from patient to patient. They can consult with the patient, their family, or members of a home nursing staff (i.e., hospice) to give recommendations in the areas of “communication, cognition, and swallowing function.” Regarding communication the goal of the SLP is to provided the patient with the ability to make their own decisions, give them the option to communicate …show more content…
(1) “Communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary team.” You can do this by sharing all information you conclude during your consultation with the team. The sharing of this information across disciplines will help reach patient care goals. (2) “Offer quality care to patients and their families.” To provide qualify care you should focus on both swallowing function and effective communication as both are important to their qualify of life. This article also states that you can offer quality care be being present for your client in both literal and figurative ways. (3) Always strive to learn more about palliative care services and always advocate and educate others about palliative care