Speak Out April 2018

Association news

New researcher grants: Funded projects

IN 2017, SPA INTRODUCED A NEW CATEGORY FOR RESEARCH GRANTS, THE NEW RESEARCHER GRANT. THIS GRANT CATEGORY IS MADE AVAILABLE TO CLINICIANS, STUDENTS ENROLLED IN A HIGHER DEGREE BY RESEARCH, AND THOSE WHO HAVE OBTAINED A RESEARCH DEGREE WITHIN THE PAST TWO YEARS. THERE WERE SOME EXCELLENT APPLICATIONS, OUTLINING INNOVATIVE APPROACHES WITHIN RESEARCH AREAS WHICH ALIGNED CLOSELY WITH THE ASSOCIATION’S STRATEGIC PLAN. THE TWO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS EACH RECEIVE $15,000 TO SUPPORT THEIR RESEARCH. SUMMARIES DESCRIBING THEIR PROJECTS, TOGETHER WITH COMMENT FROM REVIEWERS, ARE PROVIDED BELOW. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING THE OUTCOMES OF THE RESEARCH.

The evidence-based practices (EBP) of Australian speech pathologists in providing communication services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Victoria Sandham, University of Queensland, Queensland Health Victoria.sandham@ipswichspeechpathology.com This project aims to reduce the evidence–practice gap by examining EBP from the speech pathology clinicians’ perspective. Interventions aimed at improving uptake of EBP among allied health professionals should incorporate aspects of behavioural change theory, such as increasing self-efficacy through role-modelling and self-identification of facilitators to EBP. Through use of a national cross-sectional survey and single-case study with case control study component, this project will capture current use of EBP by Australian speech pathologists who treat children with ASD. It will examine the facilitators already being used to engage in EBP and demonstrate how practice-based evidence can be used to effectively demonstrate client progress for a complex client group, children with ASD. Dissemination of this information will provide a means of vicarious experience of successful EBP use – a key intervention to improving clinician engagement with EBP. In addition, the act of completing the survey may also bridge the evidence–practice gap as clinicians reflect on personal facilitators to EBP use. Reviewer comment “The study that is described proposes a novel means of addressing the evidence–practice gap which, if successful, could be applied to other areas of speech-language pathology practice. The description of the methodology is detailed and is well aligned with the aims of the project. I am very impressed with the diverse means of dissemination of information that the authors have considered to ensure the results of this study reach those who would benefit most from this knowledge.”

How do Indigenous Liaison Officers support speech pathology services for Indigenous Australian adults with acquired neurogenic communication disorders? Frances Cochrane, James Cook University Frances.cochrane1@jcu.edu.au Indigenous Liaison Officers (ILOs) assist healthcare access by providing emotional, social and cultural support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout their journey to, during and after hospital admission. ILOs contribute to the provision of culturally safe and appropriate health care services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Culturally safe health services may allay patient and caregiver feelings of fear, isolation, alienation, loneliness and ultimately disengagement in the health system. No research to date has explored the role ILOs may have in contributing to culturally appropriate speech pathology services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with acquired neurogenic communication disorders (ACDs). This qualitative study will employ semi-structured in-depth interviews to seek ILO perspectives about their role in speech pathology management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with ACDs. Recruitment of an Indigenous research assistant will ensure the study aligns with ethical and research guidelines endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). ILOs employed at Townsville and Logan Hospitals will be invited to participate. These two sites present potential diversity (including geographical locality, culture and service delivery) which will enable a great exploration of the speech pathology services for the population of interest. Reviewer comment “This is an important area of research, and addresses a gap in existing evidence regarding ILOs work with people with aphasia and speech pathologists. The applicant makes a strong case for this study and the aims are clearly aligned with SPA’s strategic plan. This application includes clear, achievable aims and the methodology is rigorous and culturally sensitive. A well thought out scientific plan.”

Cori Williams Senior Advisor Evidence Based Practice and Research

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April 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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