Communicator

In the role of communicator^[1], speech therapists communicate with clients with the aim of obtaining and sharing information for effective care and counselling. Speech therapists take a client-oriented approach to communication and make decisions in consultation with the client. Speech therapists stimulate and support clients in finding and using information about their health problems. Speech therapists create common ground in order to handle the client’s request constructively and effectively. The goal is to encourage clients to take/maintain responsibility and participate optimally. Speech therapists communicate in a clear and culturally-sensitive way. This means being aware of their own norms and values and attuning these to the norms, values, preferences and communicative ability of clients. To ensure effective communication and interaction with clients, speech therapists are capable of switching between different communicative modalities (e.g. verbal and written modalities). Speech therapists document information about client contact according to relevant guidelines and store these in a written or an electronic file. When sharing information with the client and others, speech therapists respect the privacy and confidentiality of their clients.

^[1] The communicator role describes the communication skills relating to client contact. Other communication skills are described in other roles, such as communication with team members in the role of collaborator, and presentation skills in the role of innovator.

Core Activities

Maintaining a professional therapeutic relationship with clients;
Communicating in a culturally-sensitive way with clients;
Encouraging clients to take control of their own health goals;
Switching between different communication modalities and communication tools to optimise interaction with clients;
Engaging with clients verbally and in writing;
Documenting and sharing information about client contacts accurately and effectively using a written health record, electronic medical;
record, or other digital technology.

Examples of professional activities

Demonstrating sensitivity to the norms, values and preferences of clients;
Tailoring own communication to the communicative capabilities of clients;
Switching between different communication modalities during contact with clients, such as verbal and non-verbal, oral and written, with and without communication resources, with and without an interpreter;
Clarifying the needs and expectations of clients by listening, communicating and regulating discussions;
Openly discussing arguments for and against certain decisions;
Encouraging the client to consider options that stimulate participation.
Documenting client contact in an electronic or written record according to the applicable documentation guidelines (NVLF, 2016) and legal frameworks;

Levels

Level 1: Novice
Speech therapists tailor their communication to the communicative capabilities, norms, values and preferences of their clients in a simulation situation. Students use clear, concise and accurate language in their written and verbal communication with clients during simple simulations. Students accurately engage in different types of conversations during simulations by communicating clearly, listening carefully and handling disruptions effectively. Students draw on their basic knowledge of communication and conversation during simulations to establish a positive relationship with their discussion partner and to achieve constructive outcomes. Students document their training activities in accordance with the guidelines.

Level 2: Advanced beginner
Speech therapists tailor their communication to the communicative capabilities, norms, values and preferences of their clients in a simulation situation, switching between different communication modalities and resources as necessary. Students use clear, concise and accurate language in their written and verbal communication with clients during simulation and practical situations. Students accurately apply different conversational techniques during simulations and practical situations by communicating clearly, listening carefully and handling disruptions effectively. Students draw on their basic knowledge of communication and conversation during simulations and practical situations to establish a positive relationship with their discussion partner and to achieve constructive outcomes. Students make decisions under the supervision of an educator and in consultation with the client about the treatment approach or the problem, giving the client the scope and room to reach their own decision. Students report on client contact according to the relevant guidelines.

Level 3: Competent
Speech therapists tailor their communication to the communicative capabilities, norms, values and preferences of their clients in unfamiliar and changing professional situations. To do so, they use flexible and creative communication modalities and communication support tools. In complex practical situations, speech therapists use clear, concise and accurate language in their written and verbal communication with clients. Speech therapists use different discussion techniques in complex and unpredictable communicative situations and communicate clearly, listen carefully and handle disruptions effectively. Speech therapists make decisions independently and in consultation with clients about how to approach their needs and problems, and encourage clients to take control of their own health and well-being. Speech therapists document information concerning client contacts in a timely, accurate, comprehensive and clear manner, in accordance with the applicable guidelines. When sharing information, speech therapists respect the privacy and confidentiality of their clients.