RCSLT are still looking for SLTs from a children and young people (CYP) background and SLTs from Wales and Northern Ireland. If you would like to be involved in a worthwhile group to help review, create new and update existing RCSLT information and produce new resources about COVID-19/long COVID, please join us.

We will be focused on the important role of speech and language therapy and the support and guidance needed for the SLT community. We will also be involved in collating data to allow for further development of knowledge surrounding COVID-19 and long COVID.

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Group aim and objectives

The aim of this group is to review, create new and update existing RCSLT information and resources about COVID-19/long COVID and the role of speech and language therapy. The collation of long COVID data will also be included at appropriate opportunities throughout.

The group objectives and outputs will be ever changing as we progress through the journey of COVID-19 and long COVID, an initial discussion will be held at the first meeting of the working group, however; will likely include:

a) The development of information and resources for speech and language therapists, which will:

  • Be relevant for all RCSLT members working with COVID-19 or long COVID patients, taking account of:
    • Geographical areas across the UK
    • Employment contexts
    • Different settings and sectors
    • Client groups – adults and children
  • Provide best practice guidance for SLTs
  • Support members to understand relevant national guidelines, policy and legislation
  • Collate and signpost to relevant learning resources and frameworks
  • Summarise relevant evidence and research
  • Support members in raising awareness of the role of speech and language therapy
  • Support members to influence local decision makers and budget holders
  • Be a peer support group to those who need it with COVID-19 and long COVID work
  • Assist in the collection and collation of long COVID data
  • Using different types of data collection tools

b) The development of information and resources for other audiences found on a separate webpage accessible to non-members:

  • Audiences may include:
    • People living with long COVID, their families and carers
    • Local decision makers, budget holders, commissioners
    • Professionals working with speech and language therapists
    • General public
  • Types of information may include:
    • FAQs for the general public, people living with long COVID and their family and carers
    • Position paper/statement
    • Factsheet
    • Signposting to useful websites and resources

Project objectives and key deliverables

The working group are well under way with lots of projects:

  • Working with the Living With App on developing a module to help raise awareness and assist other health care professionals on areas of SLT
  • There is a bi-monthly peer support session running on Eventbrite – each session discusses a new topic of interest
  • Factsheets on 6 areas for use in a clinical setting for the AHP or the patient:
    • Voice, Upper Airway & Reflux
    • Swallowing & Throat Sensitivity
    • Communication
  •  Resource to identify the correct questions to ask so that SLT aren’t missed to be used across all healthcare settings
  • COVID – 19 Handbook which will cover all areas of SLT, what to look for and what treatments are best used
  • COVID Guidance – A much needed piece to help support SLTs in their clinical area with best practice advice to help to enable SLTs to feel confident and well-equipped to support someone living with Long COVID

Objectives

  • To provide best practice guidance on the breadth of SLT roles working with people living with long COVID
  • To provide accessible information to the public about communication and swallowing difficulties post COVID and the support provided by SLTs
  • To collaborate with other organisations to provide information on SLT needs in long COVID
  • To enable SLTs to feel confident and well-equipped to support someone living with Long COVID

Key deliverables

  • Improved skills/knowledge/confidence in SLTs working with individuals post COVID-19 but outside specialist services
  • Increased awareness of communication and eating, drinking, swallowing changes arising post COVID-19
  • Increased awareness of the role of the SLT in supporting individuals post COVID-19

Timeframe and commitment

Timeframes will be confirmed during the planning stage, but this is an ongoing working group and will be looking at timeframe and commitments at each project opportunity.

Activity

 Timing 
Bi monthly Peer Support session Ongoing
Factsheets Available July
Resources of Questions Available July
Living with App Live by September
Guidance October
Handbook December
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