title: Speech-language pathology practices with Indigenous Australians with acquired communication disorders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Little is known about the needs of Indigenous Australian adults with acquired communication disorders (ACD) following stroke or brain injury and how these needs are met by speech-language pathology (SLP) services. In order for the profession to respond to the challenges of providing culturally appropriate, well-tailored and accessible services, more information on current practice and SLPs' concerns and attitudes is required.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper reports on a national survey with completed responses from 112 SLPs, who worked with adult neurological populations, about their levels of contact with Indigenous clients, cultural competency training and potential sources of support. RESULT. Of the total respondents, 63 SLPs reported clinical contact with Indigenous clients and :they also answered questions on their assessment, intervention and discharge practices; liaison with family; and involvement with Aboriginal Health Professionals and interpreters. This group reported insufficient knowledge about Indigenous culture, lack of support and lower levels of confidence overall in working with these clients as compared to non-Indigenous clients. They wanted more flexible services for their Indigenous clients, good access to interpreters and culturally appropriate assessments and treatments delivered in culturally appropriate settings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This research provides a useful starting point towards understanding SLPs' perspectives and practice at a national level.
authors.affiliation: Speech Pathology, School of Psychology and Social Science, Edith Cowan University , Joondalup, Perth, WA , Australia.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hersh
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Panak
authors.forename: Jacqui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Coombes
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel / Q000208:ethnology*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D054521:Cultural Competency; D065246:Culturally Competent Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Indigenous Australians; brain injury and stroke; speech-language pathology