JCPSLP Vol 17 No 1 2015_lores

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JCPSLP Volume 17, Number 1 2015 29
Table 1. Training workshop 1
Workshop outline Description Duration
Introduction Introduction to the St Vincent’s Supported Conversation Volunteers Program including the
aims of the program and the role of volunteers
10 minutes
Theory component 1 – types of
communication disorders
An introduction to different types of communication disorders including aphasia,
dysarthria, dyspraxia, and cognitive-communication disorders
20 minutes
Theory component 2 – supported
conversation strategies
Information on supported conversation strategies and techniques using information and
resources from the Connect, UK and the Aphasia Institute
Video clips were used to support this part of training
Volunteers were also shown the supported conversation resource folders to assist them
in conversations with patients
1 hour
Break 30 minutes
Practical scenarios Participation in role play tasks using the supported conversation skills learnt during the
theory components of training
30 minutes
Suggested reading Provision of additional information on communication disorders and supported
conversation strategies and suggested home reading tasks
10 minutes
St Vincent’s Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Program
Information on the St Vincent’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
Volunteers were also shown how to use different types of hearing aids and assistive
listening devices
30 minutes
Tour of St Vincent’s Hospital Volunteers were given a tour of the St Vincent’s Hospital acute stroke and inpatient
rehabilitation units and introduced to nurse unit managers and key ward staff
25 minutes
Questions and reflections Opportunity to ask questions about the training workshop and reflect on skills learnt 25 minutes
Total time 3.5 hours
Table 2: Training workshop 2
Workshop outline Description Duration
Volunteer observations of speech
pathologists
Volunteers observed two speech pathologists using supported conversation strategies
in conversations with four patients with acquired communication disorders on the acute
stroke and inpatient rehabilitation units
2 hours
Break 30 minutes
Speech pathologist observations
of volunteers
Each volunteer was observed by a speech pathologist, using supported conversation
strategies in conversation with a patient with acquired communication disorder following
stroke
30 minutes
Volunteer feedback and
reflection
Volunteers received feedback on their performance separately and then had the
opportunity to reflect on their experiences together
30 minutes
Total time in training 3 hours
Table 3. Training workshop 3
Workshop outline Description Duration
Speech pathologist observations
of volunteers
Continuing on from workshop 2, speech pathologists observed volunteers using
supported conversation strategies with a further 3 more patients
2 hours
Break 30 minutes
Deaf and hard of hearing
observations
Volunteers observed a speech pathologist completing 2 deaf and hard of hearing
consultations with patients on acute wards
30 minutes
Volunteer feedback and post
workshop
Volunteers were given feedback on their performance and had opportunity to share final
reflections on their overall experiences during training
Volunteers completed a post training written feedback survey
60 minutes
Total time in training 3.5 hours