Week 1 - Exploring the Profession Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is an Allied Health Professional?
A healthcare worker who provides diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and direct patient care services, including roles like speech pathologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and psychologists.
How does Speech Pathology Australia define a Speech Pathologist?
A professional who studies, diagnoses, and treats communication disorders including difficulties with speaking, listening, language, reading, writing, stuttering, social skills, and voice. Also supports people with swallowing disorders.
What additional populations does Allied Health Professions Australia include in the Speech Pathologist’s scope?
People with communication or swallowing difficulties due to developmental delays, stroke, brain injury, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia, or hearing loss.
What is the professional association for Speech Pathologists in Australia?
Speech Pathology Australia (SPA).
Is Speech Pathology governed by AHPRA?
No, it is a self-regulated profession through SPA.
What is meant by ‘scope of practice’ for Speech Pathologists?
It defines the tasks and activities that qualified speech pathologists are competent and permitted to undertake, some of which may require additional training.
List some roles a Speech Pathologist can undertake.
Clinicians, case managers, researchers, clinical educators, lecturers, capacity building consultants, and managers.
What clinical areas do Speech Pathologists cover?
Speech, language, communication, voice, fluency, swallowing, AAC development, and prescribing special diets or swallowing strategies.
Where can Speech Pathologists work?
Public, private, and not-for-profit sectors including hospitals, aged care, schools, universities, community health centres, private practice, and telehealth.
Describe the populations Speech Pathologists serve.
They work across the lifespan, from infants with breastfeeding issues to elderly individuals in palliative care.
What are some tools used by Speech Pathologists?
AAC devices, modified utensils, voice analysis software, oral-motor tools, FEES, videofluoroscopy.
What are the applications of AAC devices in speech pathology?
They assist non-verbal individuals in communicating effectively.
What does the Code of Ethics from Speech Pathology Australia include?
The profession’s values, principles guiding ethical decisions, and expected standards of ethical practice and conduct.
How do the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards shape professional identity?
They set competency expectations, guide ethical practice, define responsibilities, and build public trust.
Why are Professional Standards important for student speech pathologists?
They provide a framework for understanding responsibilities, ethical behaviour, and expected professional conduct.
