Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

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Table 8: Examples of Implementation of Modified Practice under Standard and/or Transmission-based Precautions in Sample Settings

Settings

Examples

• The speech pathologist receives a referral for a new admission on the acute ward. The speech pathologist reviews the available information and liaises with the multidisciplinary team to limit the repetition of similar assessments. • The speech pathologist asks the nursing staff to complete the Dysphagia Screening Test. • The client passes this test and can commence on a full diet and thin fluids . • The speech pathologist conducts hand hygiene and wears the required PPE for standard and transmission based precaustions to enter the client’s room and complete a language assessment. • The curtain is drawn around the client’s bed during the assessment. • The assessment is broken into sections to limit the interaction time with the client. • Only the minimal equipment required to complete the assessment is taken into the room, including a whiteboard pen, laminated stimulus booklet and score sheet. • The speech pathologist stands beside the client and maintains a >1.5m distance. • The laminated assessment materials and whiteboard pen are cleaned and dried following the assessment. • The speech pathologist is required to assess the swallow of a resident in an aged care facility. • An in-person visit is requested as the resident is not suitable for telepractice due to behavioural factors. • The speech pathologist collects as much information as possible from staff before completing the assessment. • The speech pathologist sees the client in their room (not in a communal area) and ensures the windows are open. • The speech pathologist conducts the assessment from the doorway. • During the assessment, laryngeal palpation is required to inform management. • The speech pathologist completes hand hygiene before donning any required PPE fro standard and transmission based precautions and standing beside the client to conduct this component of the swallowing assessment.

Hospital

Aged Care