JCPSLP Vol 22 No 2 2020

Additionally, the Ethical Standard of Quality Service (2.2) requires: Accurate and timely information. We make sure that information we provide is clear, accurate, and sufficient, and that it is provided in a timely manner. We communicate in a respectful and professional way. We provide information that is accessible and understood by clients, their families, and significant others. In everyday practice, this standard obliges us to provide our clients and their support networks with the time, space, and supportive environment to communicate with us, with the assurance they will be heard. Further, it requires that any barriers to effective communication will be mitigated, and any actions will be followed up in a timely manner. Similarly, any communication and correspondence will be done in a manner that not only is appropriate for the typical functioning of that individual, but also recognises the effects of the individual’s environment and is appropriate for their current presentation and comprehension level, and is culturally sensitive. This ensures that we are communicating in a manner that shows we have listened to our clients, by hearing their words, and considering them in a holistic way. What next? The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of speech pathology have been significant, as they have been for many Australians. By listening to our “clients” (i.e., members of the association) during this challenging time, SPA National Office staff have been able to demonstrate awareness of the effects of the stress experienced during the pandemic on some members’ ability to apply information and resources to decision-making regarding their professional practice in the usual manner. As a result, the resources developed have had demonstrated benefits to members’ decision-making, as evidenced by the change in the quantity and nature of enquiries and discussions between members and SPA staff. At the time of writing, the pandemic is continuing to impact in varying degrees on speech pathology professional practice, depending on location and practice contexts. This variation means that SPA National Office staff will continue to listen to our “clients” in order to be responsive to ongoing and changing needs. References Lai, J., Ma, S., Wang, Y., Cai, Z. ; Hu, J. ; Wai, N. ... Hu, S. (2020). Factors associated with mental health outcomes among health care workers exposed to coronavirus disease 2019. J AMA Network Open , 3 (3), e203976. doi:10.1001/ jamanetworkopen.2020.3976 Shanafelt, T., Ripp, J., & Trockel, M. (2020) Understanding and addressing sources of anxiety among health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. JAMA , 323 (21), 2133–2134.. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.5893 Starcke, K., Wolf, O. T., Markowitsch, H. J., & Brand, M. (2008). Anticipatory stress influences decision making under explicit risk conditions. Behavioral Neuroscience , 122 (6), 1352–1360. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013281 Trish Johnson is Speech Pathology Australia, manager ethics and professional issues. Nadia Marussinszky is Speech Pathology Australia, ethics advisor.

SPA advisors continued providing information as if it were “business as usual”, then we wouldn’t have been listening to our members or being responsive to their needs. Support and resources during the pandemic – listening to our clients There was a significant and rapid increase in requests from members for information and resources that presented key information in a clear manner that could be applied quickly to professional practice. Reflection by National Office staff on this resulted in the development of COVID-19 and telepractice information and resources that are interactive, brief, and responsive to the increased level of support for critical analysis some members were demonstrating. In response to the modifications in provision of information and decision-making tools, members were able to identify and discuss the elements necessary to consider when making a decision for their specific context. That is, members were able to use these resources to apply the information provided to their decision-making process, rather than seeking to be provided with specific answers relevant for their individual context. An example of this change in approach to resource development was the creation of the Speech Pathology Australia Risk Assessment Tool (COVID-19) (SPA RAT [COVID-19]), a tool that allows clinicians to analyse the evolving contexts in which they are practising. It assists them to identify and understand risks present when providing “in person” service delivery, to plan how they will mitigate risks, and to plan a course of action for when these risks become too great to continue to provide “in person” services. Previously, in place of a tool such as this, SPA may have provided a document of frequently asked questions, and some links to guidance and information from relevant government bodies. The alternative format supports speech pathologists to apply specifically information to the modification to practice. The publication of these resources resulted in a sharp decrease in contacts from members asking for answers for specific questions. Listening to our clients – the speech pathology professional space The experience of SPA National Office staff working to support speech pathologists to apply key information to professional practice during the pandemic is applicable to speech pathologists working in every facet of our profession, including all those we interact with. Speech pathologists are the professionals who are best placed to determine the functional communication capabilities of others, including identification of any internal or external barriers to effective communication, and we have an obligation to communicate with our clients and colleagues at this level. The 2020 Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics outlines the ethical values of: Respect and dignity. We promote a professional culture which embodies kindness through taking time to value, listen, and show compassion to others. In our professional work, we provide person- and relationship-centred care through respecting the worth of all people. We recognise and respect diversity, including the range of characteristics that make each person and community unique. Responsiveness. We collaborate, engage, advocate and partner with individuals, families, colleagues, other professionals, and the community to respond to their needs. We promote accessible communities.

Correspondence to: Trish Johnson Speech Pathology Australia 1/114 William Street, Melbourne, Victoria email: tjohnson@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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JCPSLP Volume 22, Number 2 2020

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au