When To Refer Patients To Speech-Language Pathology
Do you have trouble understanding the patient’s speech?
Does the patient’s voice quality make his/her speech difficult to understand or make it difficult to listen to what is said?
Does the patient have a new laryngectomy or is he/she going to get one?
Do you have to remind the patient of his/her daily schedule or medication needs frequently?
Are you not able to understand what the patient has written?
Do you need to help the patient read the menu or written instructions?
Do you have to repeat or rephrase instructions or information frequently?
Do you have to simplify what you say?
Do you need to use gestures to aid in the patient’s understanding?
Do you have to give patient more time to respond than usual?
Do you have to encourage patient to use gesture, pointing, head nods to figure out what he/she wants?
Do you have to reorient the patient frequently?
Is the patient distractible or impulsive?
Do you have to anticipate patient’s needs?
Does the patient cough or clear his throat during or immediately after eating?
Do you note any chewing or swallowing problems with the patient?
Does the patient’s voice sound gurgly or wet after eating?
Does the patient get frustrated with communication attempts?
Is the patient on long term trach/vent and may be able to communicate if a speaking valve were used?
If you note any of these problems, this patient may be a candidate for speech therapy. If so, we would like to help. Please feel free to contact us at:
United Hospital: 651-241-8290
ANW Hospital: 612-863-4622
Mercy Hospital: 763-236-8908
Unity Hospital: 763-236-3000
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
800 E. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4466
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