InterPHACE - internetworked links for phonetic analysis in clinical education.

Abstract

This collaborative project addresses two key issues. The first is the need for Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) students to develop skills in analysis of a wide range of speech disorders and to apply these to clinical practice. The second is the lack of opportunities for utilising instrumental speech analysis techniques in many SALT clinics.

Computerised links between Queen Margaret College and a variety of Health Care Trust clinics have been established which allow SALT clinic sessions to be monitored and speech data collection controlled remotely from QMC. Speech data is transmitted to the QMC Speech Laboratory for analysis and compilation of results. QMC staff and students are then able to discuss the results by teleconference with the SALT responsible for each client_s management, thus learning about the impact of analysis results on diagnosis and management. A data-base of clinical speech material is also being developed as a teaching/learning resource.

A novel form of curricular design and delivery is thus being developed, which allows college staff and students access to speech from disordered clients in SALT clinics, and allows students to be actively involved in the process of clinical speech analysis of a range of current cases. Evaluation of the educational value of this project is ongoing, but it should enhance both undergraduate education in clinical phonetics and continuing professional development.