OPH Speech pathologists collaborate with people with Parkinson’s to help students

The Osborne Park Hospital Parkinson’s Clinic team thanked their clients who recently attended a week-long specialist clinic to help university students.

Available to third and fourth year ECU speech pathology students, the clinic was developed to help students gain experience in the delivery of evidence-based communication and swallowing therapies to patients, both face-to-face and via telehealth.

The clinic trialled a simultaneous treatment model with some clients present in the room and others at home and online for their communication program.

Rachel Bridle, OPH Senior Speech Pathologist said the clinic was successful in achieving group interaction and peer support and the speech pathology team plans to continue offering group therapy in this way.

Clients commented on the enjoyment of camaraderie that was gained with the intensive daily therapy format and the consolidation of skills that came with daily practice, in addition to a renewed confidence to speak loudly and clearly.