Speak Out June 2021

Association NEWS

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building and strengthening of alliances, commissioning and commencement of the Speech Pathology Workforce Analysis project planned engagement with selected PHNs, continuing work on the Professional Self- Regulation Model Review, completed initial research phase of the Association’s website redevelopment, with current work on website design specifications, proposal under development for a promotional campaign to increase awareness of communication disability, swallowing difficulties, and the breadth of role of speech pathologists.

to meet the NHMRC Guidelines for clinical guidelines, SPA documents may not always be at this level. Additionally, many of the Association documents describe the profession’s practice within a given sector or context rather

than always relating to a clinical topic. Consumer decision making

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The final Consumer Decision Making Report was presented to the meeting. The report highlights several strategies to improve consumer ability to make informed choices when interacting with and utilising resources provided by the Association, including the Find a Speech Pathologist website. Accessibility of Speech Pathology Australia’s overall website was also highlighted in a website user research report, commissioned by the Association. Recommendations derived from the two reports will be used to inform the next stages of the website redevelopment and ensuring appropriate information and supports for consumers. The next Board of Directors meeting will be held on 27/28 August, 2021.

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Speech Pathology Australia practice documents

A strategic discussion paper outlining a number of proposals to improve the Association’s process for the development and approval of practice documents was well received by the Board of Directors, with some key recommendations to be progressed. The Board of Directors also agreed to rebrand ‘clinical guidelines’ as ‘practice guidelines’, this aligns with the terminology utilised within the Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia. It was also acknowledged that while aspiring

Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer

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Speak Out | June 2021