behavioural neurology
The links between neuroscience and behaviour, the care for individuals with behavioural disturbances rooted in neurological issues.
Speech and language therapists focus on the aetiology, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of communication and swallowing disorders in people of all ages in order to help them maintain, promote, improve, initiate, or recover the ability to communicate both verbally and nonverbally. They address the development of language, speech, vocal and hearing functions, and disorders and disabilities in the cranial, facial, and oral area.
Competences and skills
87 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 30 competences
Occupation specific
6 competencesfacial gymnastics
The methods and techniques that help working out the facial muscles.
logopaedics
The theories and methods related to the voice, speech, language and articulation disorders for children and adults, whether congenital or related to accidents or illness.
neuropsychology
The way in which psychological processes affect the human brain, its structure and functioning mode.
otorhinolaryngologic conditions
The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management related to the otorhinolaryngologic conditions.
phoniatrics
The study of the causes and treatments of various dysfunctions of the vocal cords, larynx (such as cancer of the larynx), mouth or lungs that most often result in speech disorders.
Sector-specific
4 competencesaudiology
The science related to the hearing, balance and other related disorders and conditions specific to adults or children.
audiometry
The way hearing acuity is measured, specifically related to sound intensity and pitch and tonal purity in order to diagnose hearing impairment and related disorders.
hearing loss
The manifestation, causes and symptoms of hearing impairment, which is the partial or total inability to hear.
professional documentation in health care
The written standards applied in the health care professional environments for documentation purposes of one`s activity.
Cross-sector
20 competencesfirst aid
The emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.
health care legislation
The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.
health care occupation-specific ethics
The moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patient confidentiality.
human anatomy
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
human physiology
The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.
hygiene in a health care setting
The procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment used and infection control methods.
linguistics
The scientific study of language and its three aspects, language form, language meaning, and language in context.
lip reading
The methods used to understand speech by interpreting the movements of the lips, face and tongue for people affected by hearing impairment or to understand people from a distance.
medical informatics
The processes and tools used for the analysis and dissemination of medical data through computerized systems.
digital
medical terminology
The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.
movement techniques
The various types of movement and physical postures undertaken for relaxation, body-mind integration, stress reduction, flexibility, core support and rehabilitation purposes, and that are required for or underpin occupational performance.
neurology
Neurology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
paediatrics
Paediatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
pathology
The components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.
- Scope note
- Excludes .
phonetics
The physical properties of speech sounds such as how their are produced, their acoustic properties and neurophysiological status.
psychiatry
Psychiatry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
psychology
The human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.
sign language
A system of communication using visual gestures and signs, used by hearing impaired individuals.
special needs education
The teaching methods, equipment and settings used to support students with special needs in achieving succes in school or community.
speech techniques
The history and the characteristics of breathing, voice and speaking techniques.
Essential skills and competences 43 competences
Occupation specific
8 competencescounsel on communication disorders
Counsel patients and caregivers on how to cope with communication disorders.
counsel patients on improving speech
Counsel and instruct clients in techniques to mitigate speech impairment such as sign language or lip-reading.
diagnose speech disorders
Assess and diagnose patients` speech and communication disorders, identifying a variety of causes like congenital problems or disorders acquired after a stroke or injury.
evaluate the psychological impact of speech problems
Evaluate how speech problems affect patients psychologically in their educational, professional or social environment.
manage the neuropsychiatric sequelae of stroke
Localise brain lesions approximately, formulating a basic differential diagnosis as to stroke aetiology and estimating the severity of the deficit and the urgency of further assessment.
promote good habits to avoid communication disorders
Promote good habits to avoid communication disorders or malformations affecting communication, swallowing or hearing.
treat speech disorders
Provide speech therapy to patients affected by learning disabilities such as dyslexia, stuttering, articulation problems, dyscalculia, swallowing disorders such as dysphagia, brain related conditions such as aphasia or voice conditions such as dysphonia.
treat swallowing disorders
Work with patients to develop and strengthen the muscles used to swallow.
Sector-specific
15 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
advise on healthcare users' informed consent
Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.
apply context specific clinical competences
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
contribute to continuity of health care
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
encourage healthcare user's self-monitoring
Encourage the healthcare user to engage in self-monitoring by conducting situational and developmental analyses on him- or herself. Assist the healthcare user to develop a degree of self-critique and self-analysis in regards to his behaviour, actions, relationships and self-awareness.
ensure safety of healthcare users
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
formulate a case conceptualisation model for therapy
Compose an individualised treatment plan in collaboration with the individual, striving to match his or her needs, situation, and treatment goals to maximise the probability of therapeutic gain and considering any possible personal, social, and systemic barriers that might undermine treatment.
monitor patients' progress related to treatment
Observe and report on healthcare users' response to medical treatment, monitoring their progress or decay on a daily basis and modifying the treatment procedures whenever necessary.
organise relapse prevention
Help the patient or client identify and anticipate high risk situations or external and internal triggers. Support them in developing better coping strategies and back-up plans in case of future difficulties.
perform therapy sessions
Work in sessions with individuals or groups to deliver therapy in a controlled environment.
record healthcare users' progress related to treatment
Record the healthcare user's progress in response to treatment by observing, listening and measuring outcomes.
use e-health and mobile health technologies
Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.
digital
use techniques to increase patients' motivation
Encourage the patient`s motivation to change and promote the belief that therapy can help, using techniques and treatment engagement procedures for this purpose.
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Cross-sector
20 competencesadhere to organisational guidelines
Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
apply organisational techniques
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
communicate in healthcare
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
comply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
conduct research on speech-related topics
Conduct and direct research on topics related to speech, reporting the results to help in the development of new procedures, technology, or treatments, or the refinement of existing ones.
deal with emergency care situations
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
educate on the prevention of illness
Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and health conditions. Provide advice on the identification of risks leading to ill health and help to increase the patients' resilience by targeting prevention and early intervention strategies.
empathise with the healthcare user
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
exercise patience
Have patience by dealing with unexpected delays or other waiting periods without becoming annoyed or anxious.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
inform policy makers on health-related challenges
Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.
interact with healthcare users
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
listen actively
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
manage healthcare users' data
Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.
promote inclusion
Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.
provide health education
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
respond to changing situations in health care
Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.
teach communication methods
Select augmentative or alternative communication methods for patients, such as automated devices and sign language, and instruct patients how to use them. Teach patients with little or no capability for speech how to make sounds, improve their voices, or increase their language skills, enabling them to communicate more effectively.
work in a multicultural environment in health care
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
Optional knowledge 6 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencecued speech
The visual communication system that makes use of handshapes and mouth movements to differentiate between the phonemes of spoken language. It is used to help individuals with hearing or language difficulties to visually perceive the fundamental properties of a language.
Sector-specific
4 competencesautism
The characteristics, causes, symptoms and diagnosis of the neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviour.
bobath therapy
The therapy used to help children and adults after stroke who have movement disorders (cerebral palsy) to improve their ability to move and develop their (lost) skills.
psychoacoustics
The characteristics of sound perception from music or speech and their psychological effects on the individual`s hearing.
psycholinguistics
The interdisciplinary field between psychology and linguistics that focuses on the psychological processes through which humans learn and use languages. It includes speech and language development and it applies to individuals of any age. It is a subfield of cognitive science.
Cross-sector
1 competencepedagogy
The discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.
Optional skills and competences 8 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencesupervise speech and language team
Supervise newly qualified speech and language therapists and assistants.
Sector-specific
5 competencesconduct polysomnography
Perform a sleep study in order to diagnose sleep disorders, recording measures of the sleep cycles and stages, including air flow in and out of the lungs, the level of oxygen in the blood, brain waves, electrical activity of muscles, and eye movement.
interpret diagnostic tests in otorhinolaryngology
Interpret diagnostic tests such as imaging studies of the soft tissue of the neck and sinuses, using chemical and haematological studies, conventional audiometry, impedance audiometry, and pathology reports.
provide stroke rehabilitation services
Provide services to patients who have suffered from stroke, helping them relearn skills that are lost when part of the brain is damaged.
refer healthcare users
Make referrals to other professionals, based on the healthcare user's requirements and needs, especially when recognising that additional healthcare diagnostics or interventions are required.
undertake clinical audit
Undertake internal clinical audit through the collection of statistical, financial and other data related to service delivery.
Cross-sector
2 competencesuse foreign languages for health-related research
Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.
use foreign languages in patient care
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.