Spotlight on: Humanities in speech and language therapy

Abstract

In this ‘Spotlight on: Humanities in speech and language therapy’, we argue the case for the arts and humanities to find its way into speech and language therapy (SLT) course curricula, clinical practicum, and other areas related to SLT professional practice. We have a long-held belief that the arts and humanities have much to offer the discipline of speech and language therapy. This review begins with a consideration of what is meant by health humanities, within the more traditionally termed ‘medical humanities’. Considerations for curricular inclusion are also presented. An example from a literary autobiographical work is used to illustrate the possibility and potential of integrating a humanities’ approach to a speech and language therapy curriculum in order to better understand and appreciate communication and communication breakdown. Finally, although the case is made in this review for the discipline of speech and language therapy to embrace the humanities, by implication, there is no reason why other healthcare programmes cannot consider the possibility, where better understanding of the human condition of health and illness is core to teaching and learning.