In this presentation, we explore an exciting emerging area of speech pathology practice - the rehabilitation of facial palsy resulting from stroke. Our objective is to provide a concise overview of our research to date and discuss emerging findings, their impact on speech pathology practice, and directions for both future research and clinical practice.

Our systematic review revealed there are few therapy options that exist for the physical rehabilitation in of central facial palsy, and showed that current therapies have many limitations, including barriers to effective implementation and low strength of research evidence. Our survey of current multidisciplinary practice found that speech pathologists were perceived to be leaders of facial palsy rehabilitation by the wider health care team, and we discuss how to transform this knowledge into improved ownership within the profession.

Our emerging feasibility study findings show the possibilities of innovative therapies and models of care for facial palsy following stroke. Early results highlight the importance of adapting as a profession to deliver comprehensive and flexible therapy options that meet the needs of patients and minimise barriers to care. We discuss the idea of ‘clinician as consultant’ in comparison to traditional clinician-driven rehabilitation, and how this shift in thinking can empower people to engage with and take control of their own health care.

In conclusion, our presentation highlights the vital role that speech pathologists play in the management and rehabilitation of central facial palsy. By exploring novel therapeutic interventions, we can support patients and the multidisciplinary team in optimal acute stroke care.

At the conclusion of my presentation attendees will take away
1. Speech pathologists should provide management and rehabilitation for central facial palsy, as they are recognised as appropriately-skilled clinicians by themselves and by multidisciplinary teams.
2. Speech pathologists should be innovative and flexible, and should empower people to drive their own therapy.
3. Facial taping (a using combined teleheath models) may be a feasible therapy option for central facial palsy resulting from stroke.

There has been international emerging evidence of the positive role of allied health (AH) can play in the Emergency Department (ED) in providing clinical care and facilitating early discharge. Previous research has primarily focused on physiotherapists and occupational therapists in ED.

This presentation will explore a review and evaluation of the current Speech Pathology (SP) service in ED at the state’s largest metropolitan health service and provide contrast with other public EDs within Victoria.

This quality improvement project used a mixed methodology approach combining qualitative and quantitative measures. Data was collected through:

1. Audits of SP referrals within ED; and

2. Benchmarking surveys of current SP role within EDs across Victoria.


Preliminary results from a four week referral data analysis indicated:

1. SP had the highest activity in ED compared to other AH professions.

2. 10.9% of all occasions of inpatient SP service were ED referrals.

3. 52% of ED referrals required ongoing SP intervention on the ward.

4. SP facilitated direct discharge from ED in 10% patient contacts.


Currently, there is no dedicated equivalent full time (EFT) funding for SP in ED at this service, despite high levels of activity and impact on patient flow. SP services are provided on an ad hoc but frequent basis and, anecdotally, at the detriment of ward-based interventions.

The audit results highlight the valuable input of SP within the ED in facilitating discharge, positively impacting bed flow and providing early intervention to optimise care and mitigate negative consequences associated with nil by mouth status and non-functional communication. Given SP impact and activity related data in ED, a dedicated role for SP should be considered for ED.

At the conclusion of the presentation attendees will take away
1. Speech Pathologists (SP) are valuable members of the Emergency Department (ED) team
2. SP can impact patient flow in ED via facilitating discharge
3. A significant proportion of occasions of service occurred in ED (10.9%) despite nil dedicated funding.
4. A dedicated SP ED role and appropriate funding should be considered for ED

Background: Aphasia is common after stroke affecting 35%-50% of patients post stroke. Patients who have aphasia are at risk of not being able to effectively communicate with healthcare professionals, therefore, resulting in an increased likelihood of communication breakdowns, and reduced collaborative practice and patient-centred. Research shows that effective communication between patients post-stroke and their healthcare professionals increases collaborative practice and improves patient-centred care.

Aim: To explore the experience of allied healthcare professionals (excluding speech pathologists) working with people who have aphasia and the perceived impact of aphasia on providing effective patient-centred care and collaborative practice.
Method: This qualitative study used focus group interviews with allied health professionals working in inpatient rehabilitation, to explore the perceived impact of working with patients with aphasia, barriers and facilitators to providing optimal patient-centred care and collaborative practice.
Data analysis was completed using a thematic data analysis.

Results: In total, 11 participants consented to participate.
Results indicate that participants highlighted perceived difficulties when working with patients with aphasia in comparison to patients without aphasia. Time, skill and knowledge raised as being a barrier to provide optimal patient-centred care for patients with aphasia. Teamwork and education were highlighted as facilitators.

Conclusion: ​From the study, it indicated that education that is tailored, specific and timely was viewed as being beneficial and worthwhile for the allied health professionals- to aid in improvement knowledge and skill in this area.​

Approaching the communication impairment as a cohesive team may improve staff's confidence and skills when working with this cohort of patients, which may ultimately improve knowledge and skills- and improving patient centred care and collaborative practice. ​
It would be beneficial to continue to explore the benefits of tailored and specific education to aid allied health professionals to improve their skills and knowledge in this area.

1) it was perceived that aphasia does impact staff's ability to provide patient-centred care and collaborative practice
2) Education that is tailored, specific and timely was viewed as being beneficial and worthwhile for the allied health professionals
3) Barriers such as time, knowledge and skill were identified as key factors that the to reduced collaborative and patient-centred care. ​