The role of speech-language pathologists in adult palliative care within an Australian context

Background: This study explores the role of Australian speech-Language pathologists (SLPs) in palliative care settings for developing future clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). The Literature review indicates very limited research describing the role of SLPs within palliative care settings and none within the Australian context, despite an increasingly ageing population.

Currently, patient care provided by the SLP is Largely based on the World Health Organization's components of palliative care, which is inclusive of SLPs as members of the palliative interdisciplinary team. It can be argued however, that palliative care CPGs are required as SLPs need to practice within all palliative settings as communication and swallowing difficulties impact negatively upon the clinical team's ability to provide symptom controland support holistic care that can ease discomfort for patients and subsequently decrease the distress of the caregivers/families.

Aims: Given minimal studies describing the role and practice of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in adult palliative care, the aim of this review was to compile a database of research literature, examine potential research gaps and to consider material that specifically discussed the need for and/or use of procedures and protocols for SLPs working in palliative care that would support the development of SLP palliative care guidelines.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted utilising Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework with the goal of exploring any key concepts and approaches utilised by SLPs in adult palliative care, plus any literature and/or recommendations regarding SLP practice in adult palliative care settings.

Key Learnings: Over 1200 articles were initially identified. Of the 1200, 13 academic papers were considered relevant as they recommended, or at Least suggested. the need for speech-Language pathology therapy guidelines to be implemented within adult palliative care settings. The main focus of these articles was on ethical considerations and clinical recommendations for SLPs. Recommendations arising from this scoping review include providing goals to support current practicing SLP clinicians and developing clinical guidelines to manage swallowing and/or communication needs of people receiving palliative care.

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