A Rapid Literature Review on the Strategies for Collaboration Between Occupational therapists and Speech-Language Therapists in the Field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Abstract

An alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) device replaces or supplements a person’s natural speech. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals in the process of identification and use of the right AAC device for a person with complex communication needs (CCN). In the Philippines, occupational therapists (OTs) and SLPs are more likely to collaborate in the treatment of their clients due to their interprofessional education (IPE) experience. However, most Filipino SLPs do not engage in interprofessional collaboration (IPC) when rendering AAC services. Thus, there is a need to identify existing literature that tackles collaborative practices to raise the quality of service and care. Hence, this study aimed to identify and discuss existing literature that documented IPE and IPC strategies between OTs and SLPs in the field of AAC. The structure of this literature review was guided and adapted from the topics outlined in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Literature archived in two databases (Pubmed and Scopus) were reviewed. Two articles out of five studies were included in this review. Strategies found were “case based learning approach” for post-graduate students and the “Beyond Access model” in supporting practitioners. In conclusion, there is a dearth of literature on IPC practices among OTs and SLPs in the field of AAC. There is a need to report IPE and IPC efforts in the Philippines to provide applicable strategies to the local healthcare landscape.