On a European level, according to the influential scientific journal The Lancet, in 2009 it reported that the incidence of stroke in Europe is 1-2% in European males and 0.6-1.5% in European females. Statistics also indicate that one out of three persons affected by stroke survive but have to live with a permanent disability. A high percentage of these have difficulties related to communication and feeding. When the patient experiences these types of difficulties the main professional which helps in their rehabilitation is the speech-language pathologist.
In view of the contribution to the quality of life of these patients, the theme chosen for the European Speech-Language Therapy Day 2015 is 'Acquired Neurological Communication Disorders'. These conditions include stroke, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's Chorea, head and neck cancer, dementia, Multiple Sclerosis and acquired head injuries. According to the Gozo General Hospital Statistics 2012, 25% of all injuries which were seen to at the Accident and Emergency department in Gozo were head injuries. Also, according to the Health Systems Performance Assessment, almost half of the Maltese elderly population, 45%, suffers from high blood pressure which increases the risk of stroke.
On 6 March of every year, 31 speech-language pathology organisations in European member countries of the Standing Liaison Committee of Speech and Language Therapists/Logopedists (CPLOL), unite to raise awareness of the profession. A number of events are organised across Europe to celebrate this day. CPLOL chooses a different area of speech-language pathology annually to be addressed on the day. The association of Speech-Language Pathologists (ASLP) Malta teamed up with the Speech-Language Department within the Health Division to organise an event with the aim to raise awareness on these difficulties as well as the support available for persons suffering from these conditions. This awareness campaign will be held at Mater Dei Foyer today from 8am till 1pm. The public will have the opportunity to visit stands from ASLP, Speech-Language Department and other organisations such as Hospice Malta, Parkinson's Association, Dementia Association and Malta Health Network. Representatives of each section will be present to answer any queries by the public. A short talk will be delivered by speech-language pathologists during which practical tips will be given on how to communicate better with individuals affected by neurological communication disorders. These individuals suffer a decreased ability in communication skills following stroke, head injury or progressive neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and dementia. The role of speech-language pathologists in the rehabilitation of these individuals will also be addressed. Apart from communication, swallowing skills are also often compromised in these conditions. The speech-language pathologist plays a major role in the assessment of feeding difficulties and helps the individual to alleviate these difficulties. This short talk will be delivered in the foyer at 9am and repeated at 10am, 11am and noon. A one hour talk will also be given specifically for professionals highlighting the different conditions and advice that can be given to carers/clients to enhance their communication abilities. Neurologist Dr Josanne Aquilina will be addressing the topic from a medical perspective whereas speech-language pathologist Alex Gobey will address the communication aspect.
The ASLP was set up in 1985 to safeguard the profession and professional code of ethics, keep up with standards and current developments and create public awareness on the profession. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess, diagnose and treat speech, language and swallowing difficulties in both children and adults. They also play an important role in the prevention of communication disorders. There are currently over 100 registered SLPs in Malta making the service readily accessible to service users. ASLP is the only professional body that represents SLPs in Malta and is affiliated internationally with IALP and on a European level with CPLOL. The association is actively involved in the latter committee with two Maltese delegates attending commission meetings biannually. During ASLP's AGM last summer, the previous committee members were re-elected to serve the current term. The committee is made up of Norma Camilleri - president, Gertrude Buttigieg - vice-president, Louisa Wirth - secretary, Sandra Ameen - treasurer, Sonia Azzopardi Axiak - ethics officer and members Graziella Connell and Daniela Vassallo. This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of ASLP and several events are being organised to celebrate this anniversary. A new logo was launched during the first continuous professional development talk held in January for SLPs and professionals. The event at Mater Dei will be the second to be organised to mark this anniversary. Apart from creating more awareness on these conditions, this event is a great opportunity for healthcare professionals to share knowledge and clinical experience and work more towards multidisciplinary care of individuals with neurological disorders.
Professionals are encouraged to attend this talk at the Rehabilitation Section in Mater Dei Hospital.
Further information can be found on www.aslpmalta.org
Norma Camilleri ASLP President
