What did the project involve? Laura’s idea was to create an ACT centre (Accessing Communication Together) to increase the intensity and accessibility to communication therapy and support available for patients post stroke.How does it improve patient care? The first ACT centre was established in a hospital with a stroke rehabilitation unit where the local speech and language therapist initially assesses the inpatients to identify their communication needs.
Three projects have been piloted there:
- A weekly expressive aphasia group: where patients practise total communication skills and group therapy.
- A computer therapy drop-in: giving an opportunity for patients to trial specific therapy software programmes, assisting with their speech and language therapy rehabilitation.
- Access to computer therapy programmes for inpatients on the stroke unit.
Shared learning As the ACT centre develops in Williton, the aim is to develop ACT centres across Somerset, so all communication-impaired patients have the same opportunities to express themselves and the same access to intense therapy and support.
This project was developed by Laura Codrington (speech and language therapy associate practitioner)
For more information, email [email protected] or call 01823 431931