Speak Out December 2019 V2 DIGITAL EDITION

Branch News

QLD

QLD 2065 members as at October 2019

The Speech Pathology Australia QLD Branch has been undertaking a range of advocacy projects identified at a forum in 2016. To date this has included distribution of the Communication Matters video and the development of the Communication Milestones resource. Speech pathologists in Queensland also identified a need to meaningfully connect with general practitioners (GP). To achieve this aim, the QLD Branch Advocacy Portfolio approached National Office to update the current GP Education PowerPoint. A team of volunteers was formed (see QLD Branch update for further information) to review and extend the existing resource in collaboration with National Office. The Kit has been developed for SPA members to explain the role of a speech pathologist, when to refer, how to refer, what to expect and information on funding. It was then piloted at the RACGP Conference held on the Gold Coast. The feedback from attending GPs was positive and suggestions were made to develop short, snappy videos that could be shared at practice meetings and on social media. The GP Education Kit is now live with two options available, including: 1) a customisable PowerPoint with suggested notes for the presenter, and 2) a pre-recorded PowerPoint that plays automatically. Videos and a handout have also been developed to show and share. The resources are currently being adapted so they can also be used to promote speech pathology services with other audiences, for example, Primary Health Networks (PHNs). The kit can be downloaded on the SPA website under Professional resources > Promoting the profession (See: GP Education Kit) and feedback is encouraged after using the resource https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/SKT8Z97 Shaun Ziegenfusz QLD Branch Advocacy Portfolio Co-Leader Working with GPs Support and resources from Qld Branch

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December 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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