Professional Communication in Speech-Language Pathology

A. Embry Burrus, MCD, is an Associate Clinical Professor in Speech-Language Pathology at Auburn University. Her areas of interest include children with developmental delay, children and adults who stutter, and supervision. She is also the author of Mama and Margaret, a memoir about her older sister with Down syndrome. Before becoming a clinical professor, she practiced in Atlanta, Georgia, where she worked with children in the public schools, Head Start, and Early Intervention.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Laura B. Willis, MCD, is an Associate Clinical Professor at Auburn University and a certified speech-language pathologist. She teaches undergraduate students about clinical procedures and the clinical writing process and also supervises graduate students within the university clinic setting. Her areas of professional expertise span adult neurologic and literacy disorders. Mrs. Willis earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in Communication Disorders from Auburn University and now enjoys working alongside undergraduate and graduate students as they evolve into competent and confident clinicians.

Preface

 

Section I. Introduction to Professional Communication, Clinical Practicum Sites, and Ethics



Chapter 1. The Nature of Professionalism and Professional Communication

Introduction

Professional Written Communication

Professional Verbal Communication

Shared Components of Professional Written and Verbal Communication



Chapter 2. Learning as They Change Rules: The Many Faces of Clinical Practicum

Introduction

Interacting with Supervisors Across Settings

Clinical Settings

            University Setting

            Medical Setting

            School Setting

 

Chapter 3. Ethics, Confidentiality, and Safeguarding Clinical Communications

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA) Code of Ethics

University Setting

Medical Setting

School Setting

 

Section II. Professional Written Communication

 

Chapter 4. Documentation and Technical Writing

The Basics of Writing

Tone and Language

Common Errors

Audience



Chapter 5. Diagnostic Reports

The Organizational Framework of a Diagnostic Report

University Setting

Medical Setting

School Setting



Chapter 6. Treatment Documentation

Long-term and Short-term Goals

Rationale

Data

University Setting

Medical Settings

            Rehabilitation Hospital

            Acute Care Hospital

            Long-term Care/Skilled Nursing Facility

School Setting

            Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP)   

           Response to Intervention (RTI)

Similarities and Differences in Goal-Writing across Settings


Chapter 7. Short-Term Progress Reports

Progress Reports

University Setting

Medical Setting

School Setting



Chapter 8. Long-Term Progress Reports

University Setting

Medical Settings

     Rehabilitation Hospital

     Acute Care Hospital

     Long-Term Care Facility/Skilled Nursing Facility

School Setting

 

Section III. Professional Verbal Communication

 

Chapter 9. Professional Correspondence

Format/Organization

Referral Letters

Thank-you Letters

Cover Letters

Business Letters



Chapter 10. Interacting with Clients and Families

Selected Critical Elements of Professional Verbal Communication

The Value of Experience

Contexts of Professional Verbal Communication with Clients and Families

Informational Counseling

Diagnostic Interviews

Methods of Maximizing Retention

Training for Home Treatment Programs

Contexts of Verbal Communication



Chapter 11. Interacting with Other Professionals

Contexts of Verbal Communication with Other Professionals

Consultations

Staffings and Meetings

Collaboration

Solving Problems in Daily Interactions



Chapter 12. Interacting with Individuals from Diverse Backgrounds

Introduction

Cultural Competence and the SLP

The Therapeutic Cycle



Chapter 13. Interacting with Supervisors

The Evolution of the Student and Supervisor Relationship

The Supervisory Relationship

     Goals of Supervisors and Students

Critical Differences between Supervisors and Students

Remember the Principles of Professional Verbal Communication

Communication Issues

Common Pitfalls

Generational Differences

 

Appendices

Appendix A. Samples of University Clinic Diagnostic Report for a Child Client

Appendix B. Sample of University Clinic Diagnostic Report for an Adult Client

Appendix C. Sample of Inpatient Rehab Assessment Report for Speech/Language/Swallowing

Appendix D. Examples of a University Clinic Daily Treatment Plan

Appendix E. List of Selected Abbreviations Used in School Settings

Appendix F. List of Selected Abbreviations Used in Medical Settings

Appendix G. Examples of a University Clinic Long-Term Treatment Report

Appendix H. Examples of Data Sheets

Appendix I. Examples of Progress Notes in the SOAP format

Appendix J. Examples of Long-Term Graphs



References

Index