RCSLT - Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

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In this episode we chat with Professor Lucy Dipper and Lydia Davis, two of the authors of the paper 'A systematic review of language and communication intervention research delivered in groups to older adults living in care homes'

Older adults in care homes may experience reduced communication skills and fewer opportunities for interaction and this can negatively affect their wellbeing. There has been limited research looking into the benefits of group-based language and communication activities in care home settings. The authors set out to evaluate the evidence for such interventions, explore their effects on communication, language and social interaction, and identify the behavioural mechanisms that may underpin any benefits.

About the authors:
Professor Lucy Dipper is Professor of Clinical Linguistics at City St Georges University London University. She works in the field of Speech and Language Therapy, exploring the best ways to assess and remediate communication disorders.

Lydia Davis is a Clinical Academic Speech and Language Therapist, also working at City St Georges. Lydia is Interested in exploring and supporting the communication experiences of older adults in healthcare settings.

The two papers discussed here are:

1. ‘Communication support in care homes for older adults: Views and reported practices of speech and language therapists and care home activities staff in the UK' https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1460-6984.13010

2. 'A systematic review of language and communication intervention research delivered in groups to older adults living in care homes'  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ftr/10.1111/1460-6984.12679

Further information:
STARs project: https://blogs.city.ac.uk/stars-blog/

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by RCSLT colleagues Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs and Caroline Wright, Senior Policy Manager, Children and Young People.

We cover:

• The Experts at Hand Programme. https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-guidance-on-developing-the-experts-at-hand-offer/. Please get in touch with Caroline if you are interested in this work by contacting us on [email protected]
• RCSLT budget asks: https://www.rcslt.org/news/call-on-the-prime-minister-to-make-speech-and-language-therapy-a-budget-priority/
• Scottish programme for government.
• Health Bill and the Lords.
• Welsh programme for government. 
• Updated guidance on working with interpreters: https://www.rcslt.org/news/updated-working-with-interpreters-guidance-published/
• NIHR funding calls https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-funding-for-research-into-speech-and-language-therapy-topics/

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In this episode we welcome Dr Jarrad Lum, Associate Professor, Cognitive Neuroscience and Shelby Lim, Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) Candidate, both of Deakin University, Australia, to discuss their paper 'Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood’
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13125

The research builds upon previous studies which showed that children and adolescents with speech, language and communication issues are at increased risk of anxiety, depression and other emotional difficulties. This study shows that those children carry a higher risk of broader mental health challenges into adulthood than those without such a history. The paper looks at the implications for practice for professionals working in learning, education, health and social care.

Note: In the podcast we talk about the need for screeners for speech, language and communication needs. As far as we are aware there is not anything out there for screening for broad SLN issues as the screeners that are available are for specific conditions. However, speech and language therapists will tend to develop screening tools for their mental health colleagues as part of their responsibility for raising awareness of/identifying Speech, Language and Communication Needs among the population they are working with.

Listeners may also find it useful to take a look at the Communication Access training which was set up by RCSLT and partners: https://communication-access.co.uk/ and Understanding communication difficulties in the justice system core modules https://www.rcsltcpd.org.uk/courses/understanding-communication-difficulties-in-the-justice-system-core-modules/

The paper is:

'Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood’
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13125’

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs.

We cover:

• Update on 'Invest in SLT' letter to new PM, Andy Burnham: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-urges-prime-minister-to-improve-speech-and-language-therapy-access/
• CAHPO England awards shortlist features several speech and language therapists.
• New CAPHOs appointed n Wales and Scotland.
• Northern Ireland Code of Practice to the Mental Health (NI) order. 
• Accessible exams work out of Northern Ireland - but applicable across UK.
• HSSIB community inquiry.
• Social and palliative care aims of new PM.
• NDCS children's deafness services report.
• APPG on neighbourhood health: https://www.csp.org.uk/news/2026-07-02-all-party-parliamentary-group-ahps-launches-inquiry-neighbourhood-health
• Help shape AHP strategy in England: national survey and webinar: https://www.rcslt.org/events/join-the-slt-conversation-influencing-the-future-ahp-strategy/
• and much more!

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In this episode we chat with Dr Claire Mills about her PhD paper 'Worth a try or a last resort: Healthcare professionals’ experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation'. 

Above Cuff Vocalisation (ACV) is a technique that allows patients with a cuffed tracheostomy tube to speak. A recent systematic review highlighted the limited evidence available for the acceptability, effectiveness, safety or optimal implementation of ACV.

Dr Mills set out to explore the experience of healthcare professionals (HCPs) using ACV and their perceptions of best practice. 

Dr Mills is Adult Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist—specialising in critical care—at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London.

The paper is:

Worth a try or a last resort: Healthcare professionals’ experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.12970

Funding:

This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as part of an HEE/NIHR ICA Programme. Claire Mills was funded by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (ICA-CDRF-2017-03-036). Claire is now funded by an NIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship (NIHR507322). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

Further information:

• Download your copy of the ACV Safety Guidance: https://www.atosmedical.co.uk/blog-and-news/above-cuff-vocalisation-acv-safety-guidelines
• Evidence for Above Cuff Vocalization in Patients with a Tracheostomy: A Systematic Review: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.29591
• Survey of Healthcare Professionals: https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(21)01426-X/fulltext
• Health Economic Evaluation: https://journals.lww.com/ccejournal/fulltext/2025/12000/an_early_stage_decision_analytic_health_economic.12.aspx
• Mathematical modelling of airflow in the subglottic space during ACV: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-025-08005-w
• Troubleshooting above cuff vocalisation: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-024-07779-9

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs.

We cover:

• New PM and what this might mean for health and social care. Plus Andy Burnham's previous pledge to the Mikey's Wish 'Invest in SLT' campaign: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-letter-delivered-to-downing-street/
• An update on the 'Experts at Hand' programme for SEND in schools in England. https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-guidance-on-developing-the-experts-at-hand-offer/
• Modern Service Frameworks: https://www.rcslt.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/RCSLT-response-to-the-Cardiovascular-Disease-Modern-Services-Framework-July-2026.pdf
• Update on Welsh government funding for ALN.
• NHS AHP strategy - get involved! https://www.rcslt.org/events/join-the-slt-conversation-influencing-the-future-ahp-strategy/ 
• APPG on neighbourhood health: https://www.csp.org.uk/news/2026-07-02-all-party-parliamentary-group-ahps-launches-inquiry-neighbourhood-health
• and much more!

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs.

We cover:

• Resignation of Sir Keir Starmer and what it might mean for health and social care.
• Good news in the King's birthday honours: https://www.rcslt.org/news/speech-and-language-therapy-recognised-in-kings-birthday-honours/ 
• Updates from Northern Ireland including election prep, SEN reform and new guidance, DLD exam work and Voicebox competition: https://www.rcslt.org/news/young-voices-bring-big-laughs-at-voicebox-final-northern-ireland/
• £145million extra funding in Wales, but large challenges.
• Update on Experts at Hand in England.
• Health Bill.
• and much more!

About our sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment.

https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In this podcast we chat with Carmela Miniscalo and Anna-Clara Reinholdson about their research which looks at speech sound ability in relation to language ability and non-verbal ability in Swedish pre-school children with ASD.

The paper is:

Miniscalco, C., Reinholdson, A.-C., Gillberg, C. & Johnels, J.A. (2024) Speech sound error patterns may signal language disorder in Swedish preschool children with autism. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 59, 2516–2527. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.13099

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Dr Caroline Walters, External Affairs Manager for Wales and Glenn Carter, Head of Scotland Office..

We cover:

• Election results in Wales and how we will work with the new government there.
• Wales State of the Nation report 2026: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-wales-launch-2026-state-of-the-nation-report/ 
• Election results in Scotland and how we influenced the manifestos. (See Scotland manifesto asks: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-scotland-publishes-key-manifesto-asks-ahead-of-2026-elections/)
• Expected or hoped for impact on speech and language therapy.
• The political backdrop in England and Wes Streeting's resignation.
• Bills in the King's speech.
• AHP debate in Parliament.

About our sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment.

https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

Please let us know what you think of this podcast.

In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs and Amit Kulkarni, Head of Research and Outcomes.

We cover:

• Research Champions Professional Network https://www.rcslt.org/members/research/research-networks/#section-2 
• Relaunch of registration for Clinical Academic Mentors scheme https://www.rcslt.org/members/research/research-networks/#section-3 
• Link between research and outcomes and decision making
• Update on Invest in SLT campaign: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-letter-delivered-to-downing-street/ 
• NHSE Workforce plan – advance tests
• SEND consultation https://www.rcslt.org/news/send-reforms-share-your-views/, EAH detail on ICB roles, and Parliamentary debate (plus PPA and AHPs)
• Welsh manifestos
• Help us build our next strategy: https://www.rcslt.org/news/help-us-build-our-next-strategy/
• RCSLT Research strat plan listening events:
  Listening event 13 May: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7450576966879117313/?viewAsMember=true
  
  Listening event 18 May: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7450581649479880705/?viewAsMember=true 
• Podcast for World Voice Day: https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-podcast-highlights-the-importance-of-voice/ 

About our sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment.

https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid

Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.