Module Directory

This module builds upon the underlying knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neurology and linguistics gained in earlier modules, to prepare the student for the practice of speech and language therapy with the adult client with communication difficulties following stroke.

The emphasis is on the application of underlying knowledge to the understanding of aspects of communication difficulties and the work of the speech and language therapist within current legislative, national and professional guidelines.

This module considers the nature and effects of stroke resulting in speech language and communication difficulties and the SLT role in reducing the impact of these difficulties as part of an interprofessional interagency team.

The emphasis of the module is on understanding the impact of communication difficulties following stroke on the person, family and wider social context and on implementing rehabilitation and or enabling strategies to enhance quality of life and reduce impact.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide students with a knowledge of the nature, aetiology and impact of communication difficulties following stroke.


• To enable students to assess and differentially diagnose disorders of communication following stroke.


• To provide students with the opportunity to use critical clinical reasoning to develop and monitor management and rehabilitation with reference to literature, patient safety, choice and quality of life.


• To enable students to develop evidence based clinical reasoning skills in the decision-making process with people with communication difficulties following stroke and members of the inter-professional interagency team.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to: 

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and neurology and aetiology of stroke related to communication difficulties following stroke.


2. Have detailed knowledge of patterns of language and communication difficulty experienced following stroke.


3. Critically evaluate the current resources and literature with relevance to assessment, diagnosis and management of people with communication difficulties following stroke.


4. Evaluate and reflect upon the impact of communication difficulties on the client and their family / friends.


5. Demonstrate the SLT scope of practice and be ready to engage with the interprofessional interagency team including the client.

Detailed session content:

Stroke

1. Undertake an examination of the nature of the problem and its aetiology.


2. Use background knowledge to explore and understand the complexity of patterns of communication difficulties following stroke.


3. Understand the effect of additional difficulties following stroke (e.g. hemiplegia, hemianopia, etc.).


4. Explore the social and psychological impact of stroke on clients, families and friends.


5. Adopt a holistic approach to management of difficulties following stroke.


6. Consider the role of members of the inter-professional interagency team including partner, family and peer group.

Aphasia

1. Provide an overview of aphasia including localisation and linguistic approaches to understanding aphasia.


2. To build upon underlying knowledge gained in earlier modules to have a detailed understanding of aphasia within a linguistic framework (Pragmatic, semantic, syntactic and phonological).


3. To provide detailed examination of the commonly used informal, formal and standardised assessment procedures for aphasia and the development of differential diagnoses.


4. To consider the psychological and social impact of aphasia, enabling the student to adopt a holistic approach to difficulties encountered people with aphasia.


5. To examine commonly adopted approaches to management and intervention in aphasia including impairment and social model approaches to intervention.


6. To examine how aphasia is managed within speech and language therapy from referral to discharge.


7. To examine the nature of the inter-professional interagency team including clients, family and friends.

Apraxia of speech

1. Detailed exploration of the nature of apraxia of speech.


2. Build upon underlying knowledge gained in earlier modules to explore and characterise apraxia within a linguistic framework.


3. Overview of the history and current thinking of the condition including reference to early work and recent developments in understanding.


4. Examine how apraxia is managed within speech and language therapy from referral to discharge.


5. Examination of the commonly used assessment procedures for apraxia and the development of a differential diagnosis.


6. To examine commonly adopted approaches to management and intervention in aphasia.


7. To examine the nature of the inter-professional interagency team including the client, family and friends.

Teaching methods will include face-to-face lectures and seminars, and you will also engage in enquiry-based learning tasks and independent study. You will share some of your learning with students on the BSc Speech and Language Therapy programme. Students will also have the opportunity to develop clinical skills through their SLT clinical placements.

Lectures will introduce key principles, core concepts and frameworks. You will be expected to engage and contribute to interactive seminars.

Students are expected to engage in independent learning throughout this module. Preparation for enquiry-based learning, placement activity and summative assessment all require significant levels of independent working.

This module includes a 6-week SLT placement, where students develop their skills with adult pathology under the supervision of an experienced SLT. This builds upon the clinical competencies of year 1 and earlier year 2 placements requiring the student to develop transferable skills in readiness for transition towards qualified practitioner.

Resources are available through Moodle and also websites of patient organisations in the third sector. Students are encouraged to understand the requirements of people with aphasia through listening to the patient voice through these materials. Additionally, central guidance on intervention strategies are available online (e.g. DoH, NICE)

Students are encouraged to access individual or small group tutorial support for areas of difficulty. Academic staff make themselves available for tutorial support by appointment. Please email the appropriate tutor to arrange an appointment.

Skills of identification of key aspects of aphasia and apraxia are taught in the classroom, this is further embedded through opportunities on clinical placements.