Speech-Language Pathology/SLP-PalCare-SIG

Introduction
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) in Palliative Care (PalCare) is a new and developing area of specialty which aims to provide appropriate SLP practice within palliative and end-of-life care services. While the profession of speech-language pathology/speech therapy has been in existence since the turn of the 20th Century, and palliative care has been practiced for centuries (in one form or another), nevertheless, the combination of the two disciplinary areas intersecting has often been intermittent and highly dependent upon a specific institutional context, rather than being systematically endorsed by any government regulations or professional association clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).

SLP-PalCare Focus
Speech-Language Pathology in Palliative Care Special Interest Group has a primary focus upon ten major areas in order to support SLPs in Palliative Care and redress the lack of SLP CPGs in Palliative Care:Chahda et al (2020)


 * 1) Encouraging, developing and/or conducting ongoing research and creating resources for SLPs working in Palliative Care.
 * 2) Educating health professions about the role of SLPs in PalCare.
 * 3) Establishing referral procedures for SLP intervention within PalCare.
 * 4) Integrating PalCare within SLP tertiary education.
 * 5) Promoting the education, consultation, supervision and mentoring of SLPs new to PalCare.
 * 6) Incorporating SLP observations and interventions into the overall multi-disciplinary/palliative care team goals.
 * 7) Focussing PalCare assessment and therapy to include both cognitive-communication and swallowing interventions.
 * 8) Integration of SLPs as a part of a practical, consultative and holistic PalCare approach.
 * 9) Encouraging professional self-care consideration for SLPs working in PalCare.
 * 10) The development of uniform SLP-PalCare CPGs

Research and Future Development
Based upon the findings of an increasing number of researchers [for example see the reviews of Chahda et al (2017) and Krikheli et al (2018) there is clearly a need for further research and increased scope of practice accompanied by the development of SLP clinical practice guidelines so as to enhance the multidisciplinary and holistic collaboration of SLPs within Palliative Care / End of LIfe Care contexts.

(1) CURRENT RESEARCH (2022-2024)

"Identifing facilitators and barriers to successful speech pathology student placements in the palliative care setting"

Time frame:  Ongoing

Survey: Completed. Focus Groups: Completed. Interviews: Planning

This project is being completed by researchers from Deakin University, University of Melbourne and Victoria University.


 * Dr Laura Chahda (Email: laura.chahda@vu.edu.au)
 * Dr Megan Keage (Email: megan.keage@unimelb.edu.au)
 * Ms Hayley Dell’Oro (Email: hayley.delloro@unimelb.edu)
 * Dr Jemma Skeat (Email: jemma.skeat@deakin.edu.au)
 * Publication thus far - please refer to: Chahda, L., Dell’Oro, H., Skeat, J. & Keage, M. (2022). [See 'Recommended References']

(2) PROPOSED NEW TEXT BOOK: "SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND PALLIATIVE CARE"

Publisher - Routledge: Taylor & Francis (2025)

Editors: Laura Chada, PhD, Lindsay B. Carey, PhD and Bernice A. Mathisen, PhD.

(3) "The PCC4U (Palliative Care Curriculum for Undergraduates": https://pcc4u.org.au/) assists in providing resources for the trainng of undergradutes in palliative care and provides a number of resources incuding vdieo case studies: (access via: https://www.youtube.com/user/PCC4UProject/playlists) one of which mentions SLPs: (https://pcc4u.org.au/learning/modules/module4/m4_section3/m4_activity8/).

SLP-PalCare-SIG Representatives & Membership
To achieve the objective foci of SLPs within Palliative Care (as noted above) the formation of the 'Speech-Language Pathology and Palliative Care Special Interest Group' (SLP-PalCare-SIG) has been listed by Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) and currently involves representatives from a number of universities and clinical practices. There is no fee to be a member of the SLP-PalCare-SIG. Please email the secretary if you are interested in joining.

To achieve the objective foci of SLPs within Palliative Care (as noted above) the formation of the 'Speech-Language Pathology and Palliative Care Special Interest Group' (SLP-PalCare-SIG) has been listed by Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) and currently involves representatives from a number of universities and clinical practices. There is no fee to be a member of the SLP-PalCare-SIG. Please email the secretary if you are interested in joining.

SLP-PalCare-SIG Members (Alphabetical by Surname):


 * [Chairperson] Professor. Bernice Mathisen (University of Southern Queensland, AU: Bernice.Mathisen@usq.edu.au)
 * [Secretary] Associate Professor (Adj) Lindsay Carey (Palliative Care Unit: La Trobe University, AU: Lindsay.Carey@latrobe.edu.au)
 * Dr. Valerie Adams (Food Solutions Diet Consultants, Queensland, AU: valerie@foodsolutions.com.au).
 * Ms. Emily Austin (Plena Healthcare, AU: Emily.Austin@plenahealthcare.com.au)
 * Ms. Stephanie Bates (Eastern Health, Wantirna, Victoria, AU)
 * Ms. Rachael Brailey (Southport Health Precinct, Southport QLD: Rachael.Brailey@health.qld.gov.au)
 * Dr. Christa Carey-Sargeant (Victoria Department of Education and Training, Melbourne, AU)
 * Ms Danielle Carey (Alexandra Hospital, Alexandra, Victoria, AU: Danielle.Carey@adh.org.au)
 * Ms. Alexandra Carey (Montefiore Aged Care Services, Sydney, AU: ACarey@montefiore.org.au)
 * Ms. Caoimhe Carney (Epworth Hospital, Richmond, Victoria, AU: caoimhe.carney@epworth.org.au)
 * Ms. Chloe Carter (West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Warragul, Victoria, AU: chloe.carter@wghg.com.au)
 * Ms. Arielle Cassian (Hollywood Private Hospital, WA, AU: CassianA@ramsayhealth.com.au)
 * Ms. Beth Causa (Wollongong Speech Pathology, NSW, AU: Beth@wollongongspeech.com.au).
 * Dr. Laura Chahda (Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, AU: laura.chahda@vu.edu.au)
 * Ms. Sarah Chou (University of Sydney / Health NSW, AU: Sarah.Chou@health.nsw.gov.au)
 * Ms. Kelsie Chau (Country Health Service South West Bunbury Hospital Primary Health, WA, AU: kellsie.chua@health.wa.gov.au)
 * Dr. Naomi Cocks (Curtin University, Western Australia, AU: Naomi.Cocks@curtin.edu.au)
 * Ms. Annabelle Dargeant (St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria, AU: Annabelle.Dargeant@svha.org.au).
 * Ms. Lidia Davies (McKellar Centre, Barwon Health, Victoria, AU: Lidia.Davies@barwonhealth.org.au)
 * Dr. Sarah El-Wahsh (Aged Health, Chronic Care & Rehabilitation Services, Concord Hospital, NSW: sarah.elwahsh@health.nsw.gov.au)
 * Ms. Brittany Fong (University of Melbourne, Victoria, AU: brit.a.fong@gmail.com)
 * Ms. Philippa Friary (Auckland University, Auckland, NZ: philippa.friary@auckland.ac.nz)
 * Ms. Asta Fung (Orange Health Service, NSW, AU: Asta.Fung@health.nsw.gov.au)
 * Ms. Vanessa Greenberg (Broadmeadows Hospital, Victoria, AU: Vanessa.Greenberg@nh.org.au)
 * Ms. Sophie Griffin (St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria, AU: Sophie.Griffin@svha.org.au).
 * Ms. Sarah Hammond (Mona Vale Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, AU: Sarah.Hammond@health.nsw.gov.au)
 * Ms. Annabel Harding (Lemongrove Community Health Centre, Penrith NSW, AU: Annabel.Harding@health.nsw.gov.au)
 * Ms. Bec Healy (Speech Pathology, Bundaberg Hospital Queensland, AU: Rebecca.Healy3@health.qld.gov.au).
 * Ms. Renee Heard (Motor Neuron Disease Clinic, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, AU: Renee.Heard@barwonhealth.org.au).
 * Ms. Meredie Ingham (Speech Pathology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania: meredie.ingham@ths.tas.gov.au)
 * Ms. Nicky Jackson (Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Parkdale, Vic: Nicole.Jackson@calvarycare.org.au).
 * Ms. Ed. Jessop (Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Victoria: ejessop24@gmail.com)
 * Dr. Katherine Kelly (South Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW, AU: Katherine.Kelly2@health.nsw.gov.au)
 * Dr. Lillian Krikheli (La Trobe University, Melbourne, AU: L.Krikheli@latrobe.edu.au)
 * Ms. Rebecca Lamont (Western Health, Sunshine Victoria, AU: Rebecca.Lamont@wh.org.au)
 * Ms. Anna Marchant (Plena Healthcare, AU: Anna.Marchant@plenahealthcare.com.au)
 * Mr. Yris Simon Mendoza (Calvary Health Care Kogarah, NSW, AU: Yris.Simonmendoza@health.nsw.gov.au)
 * Ms.Laura Morrison (Barwon Heath, Victoria, AU).
 * Ms. Bonnie Nichols (St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria, AU: bonnie.nichols@svha.org.au).
 * Ms. Morgan Perry (Ballarat Base Hospital, Ballarat, Victoria: AU).
 * Ms. Jennifer Petry (Neurological Rehabilitation Center, Wiesbaden, Germany, DE: Jennifer.Petry@stud.hawk.de)
 * Ms. Claire Radford (Children's Health, Queensland Hospital & Health Service, Queensland, AU: Claire.Radford@health.qld.gov.au)
 * Ms. Shanalee Perera (East Wimmera Health Service, Victoria, AU: Shanaleeperera@icloud.com)
 * Ass't Prof. Robin Pollens (Western Michigan University, Michigan, USA: Robin.Pollens@wmich.edu)
 * Ms. Oliva Purvis (Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, South Australia: Olivia.Purvis@sa.gov.au)
 * Ms. Tanya Ramadan (Canterbury Hospital, New South Wales, Australia: tanya.ramadan@health.nsw.gov.au)
 * Mr. Darcy Rice-O'Connor (ORS Group, Maitland, NSW: Darcy.Rice-Oconnor@orsgroup.com.au)
 * Ms. Amy Rosenfeld (Southern District Health Board, New Zealand: Amy.Rosenfeld@southerndhb.govt.nz)
 * Mr. Andy Smidt (Speech Pathology, University of Sydney, NSW, AU: Andy.Smidt@sydney.edu.au)
 * Ms. Rebecca Smith (Speech Pathology Department, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, AU: Rebecca.Smith@health.qld.gov.au)
 * Dr. Amanda Stead (School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Pacific University, US: Amanda.Stead@pacific.edu)
 * Ms. Valerie Tait (Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, NSW, AU: taitv@ramsayhealth.com.au)
 * Ms. Esther Telfer (Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network SA Health,Government of South Australia: Esther.Telfer@sa.gov.au)
 * Ms. Amber Tester (Speech Pathology, Orbost Regional Health, Victoria, AU: Amber.Tester@orh.com.au)
 * Ms. Hanna Thompson (Casey Hospital - Monash Health, AU: Hannah.Thompson@monashhealth.org)
 * Prof. Travis Threats (St. Louis University, US: Travis.Threats@health.slu.edu)
 * Ms. Melissa Trinca (Hall and Prior Aged Care, Western Australia: mtrinca@hallprior.com.au)
 * Ms. Kelly Verheyen (Plena Healthcare, AU: Kelly.Verheyen@plenahealthcare.com.au)
 * Ms. Caitlin Verlinden (Maryborough District Health Service, Maryborough, Victoria, cverlinden@mdhs.vic.gov.au)
 * Ms. Ashleigh Vidovich (Health, Western Australia, AU: Ashleigh.Vidovich@health.wa.gov.au)
 * Ms. Samantha White (Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, AU: Samantha.White2@health.qld.gov.au).
 * Ms. Catherin Wilton (Yooralla, Allied Services and Wellbeing – North and East, Melbourne, AU: Catherine.Wilton@yooralla.com.au).
 * Ms. Ciara Winstanley (Tablelands Allied Health, Cairns, Queensland, AU: Ciara.Winstanley@health.qld.gov.au)
 * Ms. Rachel Wong (Latrobe Regional Hospital, Victoria, AU: RWong@lrh.com.au).


 * [Palliative Care Advisor: Professor Bruce Rumbold,OAM: (Adjunct: Palliative Care Unit, La Trobe University]

(2) Research Publications Award 2022 & 2023
'''**ISLP Award (2022): Congratulations to Dr. Laura Chahda (Victoria University) who was presented with the Taylor & Francis / International Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Best Publication Award for her research into Adult Palliative Care and SLPs in Australia. If you would like to read the article please see the link below:'''

Chahda, L., Carey, L. B., Mathisen, B. A., & Threats, T. (2021). Speech-language pathologists and adult palliative care in Australia. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 23(1), 57-69. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2020.1730966

**JCPSLP Award (2023): Congratulations to Dr. Laura Chahda (Victoria University), Dr. Halely Dell'Oro (Victoria University), Jemma Skeat (Deakin University) and Megan Keage (University Melbourne) who were presented with the JCPSLP research publication award for their article:

Chahda, L., Dell’Oro, H., Skeat, J. & Keage, M. (2022). Learning at end of Life Preparedness of speech language pathology graduates to work in palliative care. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology. 24 (2), 77-79. [JCPSLP article available via SPA or author]

(3) National SPA Conference 2024:
Sunday 26 – Wednesday 29 May (inclusive): Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

(5) Congratulations to SLP-PalCare-SIG member: Professor Travis Threats - Recipient of "ASHA Honors"
https://m.slu.edu/default/news/detail?feed=rss_newslink&id=883ef154-0029-5f59-acfe-1758acca21a4

SLP-PalCare-SIG Communications / Twitter
For regular updates, please join 'follow' our Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/SigSlp

SLP-PalCare-SIG Book and Chapter

 * Chahda, L., Mathisen, B.A. & Carey, L.B. (2025: In press ). Speech-Language Pathology and Palliative Care. London: Routledge.
 * MacKenzie, S. & Mumby, K. (2022). Perspectives on Spirituality in Speech Langauge Pathology. Hampshire, UK: J&R Press. ISBN 978-1-907826-49-8 / https://www.jr-press.co.uk/spirituality-speech-language-therapy.html
 * Mathisen, B.A. & Threats, T. (2018). Speech-Language Pathology and Spiritual Care. In Carey, L.B. & Mathisen, B.A. (2018). Spiritual Care for Allied Health Practice: A person-centered approach. London: Jessica Kingsley Press. https://www.jkp.com/aus/spiritual-care-for-allied-health-practice.html
 * Carey, L.B. & Mathisen, B.A. (2018). Spiritual Care for Allied Health Practice: A person-centered approach. London: Jessica Kingsley Press. https://www.jkp.com/aus/spiritual-care-for-allied-health-practice.htm [This book is free to all SPA-PalCare-SIG members; please contact the Secretary for yo ur free copy]

Recommended References
The following sources (in alphabetical order) are recommended reading regarding the role of SLPs in Palliative Care:


 * Chahda, L., Carey, L. B., Mathisen, B. A., & Threats, T. (2020). Speech-language pathologists and adult palliative care in Australia. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 23 (1), 57-69.
 * Chahda, L., Dell’Oro, H., Skeat, J. & Keage, M. (2022). Learning at end of Life Preparedness of speech language pathology graduates to work in palliative care. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology. 24 (2), 77-79. [JCPSLP article available via SPA or author]
 * Chahda, L., Mathisen, B. A., & Carey, L. B. (2017). The role of speech-language pathologists in adult palliative care. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 19(1), 58-68.


 * Collins, C.A. (2022). There’s this big fear around palliative care because it’s connected to death and dying’: A qualitative exploration of the perspectives of undergraduate students on the role of the speech and language therapist in palliative care. Palliative Medicine. 36(1), 171 –180. https://doi.org/10.1177/02692163211050818


 * DeZeeuw, K., & Lalonde Myers, E. (2020). The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists in Medical Assistance in Dying: Canadian Experience to Inform Clinical Practice. Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology, 44(2).https://cjslpa.ca/detail.php?ID=1259&lang=en
 * Feeney, R., Willmott, L., Wilson, J., & White, B. (2023). Legal issues in end-of-life care for speech-language pathologists and social workers: A scoping review. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 26 (2), 244-256..   https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2023.2205061
 * Fong, R., Tsai, C., Wong, H., Yiu, O., & Luk, J. K. H. (2019). Speech therapy in palliative care and comfort feeding: Current practice and way ahead. Asian Journal of Gerontolology and Geriatrics, 142, 61-68. https://doi.org/10.12809/ajgg-2018-330-oa
 * Hanna, E., & Joel, A. (2005). End-of-Life Decision Making, Quality of Life, Enteral Feeding, and the Speech-Language Pathologist. Perspectives on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia), 14(3), 13-18. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/full/10.1044/sasd14.3.13
 * Hawksley, R., Ludlow, F., Buttimer, H., & Bloch, S. (2017). Communication disorders in palliative care: Investigating the views, attitudes and beliefs of speech and language therapists. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 23, 543–551. doi: 10.12968/ijpn.2017.23.11.543.
 * Gravier, S. (2019). Palliative care and how evidence supports speech pathologists who care people at end of life. Speech Pathology Australia Speak Out. June, p. 20-21.
 * Kelly, K., Cumming, S., Corry, A., Gilsenan, K., Tamone, C., Vella, K., & Bogaardt, H. (2016). The role of speech-language pathologists in palliative care: Where are we now? A review of the literature. Progress in Palliative Care, 24(6), 315-323.
 * Kelly, K., Cumming, S., Kenny, B., Smith-Merry, J., & Bogaardt, H. (2018). Getting comfortable with “comfort feeding”: An exploration of legal and ethical aspects of the Australian speech-language pathologist’s role in palliative dysphagia care. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 371-379.
 * EndOfLifeSLPs.jpgeli, L., Mathisen, B. A., & Carey, L. B. (2018). Speech–language pathology in paediatric palliative care: A scoping review of role and practice. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(5), 541-553.
 * Krikheli, L., Carey, L. B., Mathisen, B. A., Erickson, S., & Carey-Sargeant, C. (2018). Recommendations for Speech-Language Pathologists in Paediatric Palliative Care Teams (ReSP3CT):  A modified Delphi study protocol. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, Online First, 1-7. doi:10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001667
 * Krikheli, L., Carey, L. B., Erickson, S., Carey‐Sargeant, C. L., & Mathisen, B. A. (2020). Recommendations for Speech-Language Pathologists in Paediatric Palliative Care (ReSP3CT): An International Modified Delphi Study. International Journal of Speech Language Pathology, Online: : https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2020.1866073
 * Krikheli, L., Erickson, S., Carey, L. B., Carey‐Sargeant, C. L., & Mathisen, B. A. (2020). Perspectives of speech and language therapists in paediatric palliative care: An international exploratory study. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. Online:https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12539
 * Krikheli, L., Erickson, S., Carey, L. B., Carey‐Sargeant, C. L., & Mathisen, B. A. (2020). Speech-Language Pathologists in Pediatric Palliative Care: An International Study of Perceptions and Experiences. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 30(1), 150-168: https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_AJSLP-20-00090
 * Lamont, R., Stead, A., Smidt, A. (2022). AAC for people with motor neurone disease in pallative and end-of-life care. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech Langauge Pathology, 24 (2), 80-83.
 * Mahendra, N., & Alonso, M. (2020). Knowledge of palliative care and advance directives among speech–language pathology students. Topics in Language Disorders, 40(3), 248-263. doi: 10.1097/TLD.0000000000000224
 * Mathisen, B., Carey, L. B., Carey-Sargeant, C. L., Webb, G., Millar, C., & Krikheli, L. (2015). Religion, spirituality and speech-language pathology: A viewpoint for ensuring patient-centred holistic care. Journal of Religion and Health, 54(6), 2309–2323.
 * Mathisen, B.A. & Threats, T. (2018). Speech-Language Pathology and Spiritual Care. In Carey, L.B. & Mathisen, B.A. (2020). Spiritual Care for Allied Health Practice: A person-centered approach. London: Jessica Kingsley Press. https://www.jkp.com/aus/spiritual-care-for-allied-health-practice.html
 * Mathisen, B.A., Yates, P., Crofts, P. (2010). Palliative care curriculum for speech-language pathology students. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders. 46 (3), 273–285. https://doi.org/10.3109/13682822.2010.495739
 * Martins, S., & Castro Alves, S. (2017). Speech Therapy in Palliative Care—Portuguese Perspective. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 20(1), 7-7. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2016.0407
 * Nagdee, N., & Manuel de Andrade, V. (2022). ‘I don't really know where I stand because I don't know if I took something away from her’: Moral injury in South African Speech–Language Therapists and Audiologists due to patient death and dying. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. Published online: https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12765
 * O'Reilly, A.C. & Walshe, M. (2015). Perspectives on the role of the speech and language therapist in palliative care: An international survey. Palliative Medicine, 29(8), 756-761. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269216315575678
 * Pascoe, A., Breen, L.J., & Cocks, N. (2018). What is needed to prepare speech pathologists to work in palliative care?. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 53(3), 542-549. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12367
 * Pollens, R., Chahda, L., Freeman-Sanderson, A., Lalonde Myers, E., & Mathison, B. (2021). Supporting Crucial Conversations: Speech–Language Pathology Intervention in Palliative End-of-Life Care. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 24(7), 969-970. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2021.0134
 * Pollens, R. (2020). Facilitating Client Ability to Communicate in Palliative End-of-Life Care: Impact of Speech-Language Pathologists. Topics in Language Disorders, 40 (3), 264-277. https://doi.org/10.1097/TLD.0000000000000220
 * Pollens, R. (2012). Integrating speech-language pathology services in palliative end-of-life care. Topics in Language Disorders, 32, 137–148. doi:10.1097/TLD.0b013e3182543533.
 * Pollens, R. (2004). Role of the speech-language pathologist in palliative hospice care. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 7, 694–702. doi:10.1089/jpm.2004.7.694.
 * Sharp, H. & Stead, A. (2024). End of Life Care Considerations for Speech-Language Pathologists. Plural Publishing. ISBN13: 978-1-63550-640-2; https://www.pluralpublishing.com/publications/end-of-life-care-considerations-for-the-speech-language-pathologist
 * Stead, A., Dirks, K., Fryer, M., & Wong, S. (2020). Training Future Speech–Language Pathologists for Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care. Topics in Language Disorders, 40(3), 233-247. doi: 10.1097/TLD.0000000000000219
 * Stead, A., Haynie, S., & Vinson, M. (2023). Teaching End-of-Life Care in Speech-Language Pathology: A Tutorial. Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders, 7(1) Article 4. https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/tlcsd/vol7/iss1/4