Speak Out October 2020 DIGITAL EDITION FINAL

Association NEWS

SPA 2020 Research Grant Round New Researcher Grants

In 2020, research grant applications were, for the first time, submitted online with the submission and review process managed through iMIS. We received 30 applications in the New Researcher and Queensland Registration Board Legacy Fund, five of which were submitted in both categories. The applications covered a range of clinical areas and included different methodologies. This reflects the active research culture in the Australian speech pathology profession. This commitment to research is also evident in the number of SPA members who volunteered their time to review applications. We extend to them our grateful thanks. New Researcher Grants were awarded to Angie Canning and Lisa Anemaat.

Lisa Anemaat Project title: Co-design of the

Angie Canning Project title - Oral feeding safety and aspiration risk in infants and children receiving nasal high flow respiratory support: Prospective cohort study This study will investigate whether oral feeding is safe for those children who receive Nasal High Flow respiratory support while in hospital. The increased gas pressures in

Queensland Aphasia Rehabilitation Centre Aphasia is an impairment of language that occurs in 30-40% of stroke survivors. This often chronic condition results in poor outcomes for the individual with aphasia and their family. Long term aphasia management is limited, with

few people receiving suitable services by 6-12 months post onset. To date, no research has specifically explored unmet needs or preferences for future service development within this population. The Queensland Aphasia Rehabilitation Centre is currently being developed and represents an opportunity to address this gap. The research will use Experience Based Co-design (EBCD) in two phases. Phase 1: information gathering and collaborative understanding of priorities for aphasia service development. Phase 2: co-design of aphasia services. Anticipated outcomes of phase 1 are consensus-based list of service priorities and evaluation of unmet needs. Phase 2 outcomes are co- designed services and resources, a toolkit for conducting future EBCD projects with people with communication disability, and cost analysis of EBCD process. EBCD has shown promise for improving patient experiences through the development of co-produced services aligned with participant preferences. The inclusion of culturally, linguistically and geographically diverse populations in this research will ensure that the services developed represent the diverse needs of people with aphasia in Australia. Reviewers noted that the proposal described a methodologically innovative research project which has the potential to provide valuable information to support future development of aphasia services. The involvement of key stakeholders within the experience-based co-design process was seen as a particular strength.

the throat and lungs which assist breathing may affect pharyngeal sensory receptor mechanisms and vocal cord closure during swallowing, predisposing infants and children to oropharyngeal aspiration. The study will investigate oral feeding safety and aspiration risk in 60 young children receiving NHF respiratory support. Children will be stratified by age group: 20 in each of: i) preterm to 1 month corrected; ii) > 1 month corrected to ≤1-year & iii) >1-5 years. Children will receive clinical feeding evaluations including cervical auscultation by a speech pathologist, and a videofluoroscopic swallow study to objectively determine presence and severity of aspiration, which foods/fluids are ‘safe’ (not aspirated) and provide feeding recommendations. The study builds on research already under way, and will add to the evidence on how to safely feed infants and small children on NHF. It will contribute to the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines for use in hospitals in both Australia and internationally. Reviewers noted that the proposed study addresses a timely clinical question that has the potential to impact patient safety, care, health outcomes and use of health resources. The study was felt to be methodologically sound and able to proceed positively.

Cori Williams Senior Advisor, Evidence Based Practice and Research

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October 2020 | Speak Out