RCSLT - Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

This is the official podcast of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists - RCSLT. We were established on 6 January 1945 to promote the art and science of speech and language therapy – the care for individuals with communication, swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties. We are the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK; providing leadership and setting professional standards. We facilitate and promote research into the field of speech and language therapy, promote better education and training of speech and language therapists and provide information for our members and the public about speech and language therapy.

  1. Aug 27

    IJLCD - Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In this episode we welcome Dr Jarrad Lum, Associate Professor, Cognitive Neuroscience and Shelby Lim, Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) Candidate, both of Deakin University, Australia, to discuss their paper 'Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13125 The research builds upon previous studies which showed that children and adolescents with speech, language and communication issues are at increased risk of anxiety, depression and other emotional difficulties. This study shows that those children carry a higher risk of broader mental health challenges into adulthood than those without such a history. The paper looks at the implications for practice for professionals working in learning, education, health and social care. Note: In the podcast we talk about the need for screeners for speech, language and communication needs. As far as we are aware there is not anything out there for screening for broad SLN issues as the screeners that are available are for specific conditions. However, speech and language therapists will tend to develop screening tools for their mental health colleagues as part of their responsibility for raising awareness of/identifying Speech, Language and Communication Needs among the population they are working with. Listeners may also find it useful to take a look at the Communication Access training which was set up by RCSLT and partners: https://communication-access.co.uk/ and Understanding communication difficulties in the justice system core modules https://www.rcsltcpd.org.uk/courses/understanding-communication-difficulties-in-the-justice-system-core-modules/ The paper is: 'Meta-analysis reveals low language capacity in childhood is associated with mental health problems in adulthood’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.13125’ Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  2. Aug 9

    IJLCD - Healthcare professionals' experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In this episode we chat with Dr Claire Mills about her PhD paper 'Worth a try or a last resort: Healthcare professionals’ experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation'.  Above Cuff Vocalisation (ACV) is a technique that allows patients with a cuffed tracheostomy tube to speak. A recent systematic review highlighted the limited evidence available for the acceptability, effectiveness, safety or optimal implementation of ACV. Dr Mills set out to explore the experience of healthcare professionals (HCPs) using ACV and their perceptions of best practice.  Dr Mills is Adult Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist—specialising in critical care—at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London. The paper is: Worth a try or a last resort: Healthcare professionals’ experiences and opinions of above cuff vocalisation’ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1460-6984.12970 Funding: This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as part of an HEE/NIHR ICA Programme. Claire Mills was funded by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (ICA-CDRF-2017-03-036). Claire is now funded by an NIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship (NIHR507322). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Further information: Download your copy of the ACV Safety Guidance: https://www.atosmedical.co.uk/blog-and-news/above-cuff-vocalisation-acv-safety-guidelinesEvidence for Above Cuff Vocalization in Patients with a Tracheostomy: A Systematic Review: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.29591Survey of Healthcare Professionals: https://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993(21)01426-X/fulltextHealth Economic Evaluation: https://journals.lww.com/ccejournal/fulltext/2025/12000/an_early_stage_decision_analytic_health_economic.12.aspxMathematical modelling of airflow in the subglottic space during ACV: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-025-08005-wTroubleshooting above cuff vocalisation: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-024-07779-9 Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  3. Jun 23

    RCSLT news June 2026: resignation of PM; King's birthday honours; SEN reform NI; funding in Wales; Health Bill in England and more

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs. We cover: Resignation of Sir Keir Starmer and what it might mean for health and social care.Good news in the King's birthday honours: https://www.rcslt.org/news/speech-and-language-therapy-recognised-in-kings-birthday-honours/ Updates from Northern Ireland including election prep, SEN reform and new guidance, DLD exam work and Voicebox competition: https://www.rcslt.org/news/young-voices-bring-big-laughs-at-voicebox-final-northern-ireland/£145million extra funding in Wales, but large challenges.Update on Experts at Hand in England.Health Bill.and much more!About our sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment. https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT. Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  4. May 18

    RCSLT news May 2026: impact of election results in Wales, Scotland and England; plus State of the Nation report in Wales and AHPs debate in Parliament

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Dr Caroline Walters, External Affairs Manager for Wales and Glenn Carter, Head of Scotland Office.. We cover: Election results in Wales and how we will work with the new government there.Wales State of the Nation report 2026: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-wales-launch-2026-state-of-the-nation-report/ Election results in Scotland and how we influenced the manifestos. (See Scotland manifesto asks: https://www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-scotland-publishes-key-manifesto-asks-ahead-of-2026-elections/)Expected or hoped for impact on speech and language therapy.The political backdrop in England and Wes Streeting's resignation.Bills in the King's speech.AHP debate in Parliament.About our sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment. https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

  5. Apr 17

    RCSLT April 2026 news: research opportunities at RCSLT; Invest in SLT; SEND; NHSE workforce plan: Welsh manifestos and more

    Please let us know what you think of this podcast. In our update this month we are joined by Derek Munn, Director of Policy and Public Affairs and Amit Kulkarni, Head of Research and Outcomes. We cover: Research Champions Professional Network https://www.rcslt.org/members/research/research-networks/#section-2 Relaunch of registration for Clinical Academic Mentors scheme https://www.rcslt.org/members/research/research-networks/#section-3 Link between research and outcomes and decision makingUpdate on Invest in SLT campaign: https://www.rcslt.org/news/invest-in-slt-campaign-letter-delivered-to-downing-street/ NHSE Workforce plan – advance testsSEND consultation https://www.rcslt.org/news/send-reforms-share-your-views/, EAH detail on ICB roles, and Parliamentary debate (plus PPA and AHPs)Welsh manifestosHelp us build our next strategy: https://www.rcslt.org/news/help-us-build-our-next-strategy/RCSLT Research strat plan listening events: Listening event 13 May: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7450576966879117313/?viewAsMember=true Listening event 18 May: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7450581649479880705/?viewAsMember=true Podcast for World Voice Day: https://www.rcslt.org/news/new-podcast-highlights-the-importance-of-voice/ About our sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Zanda. Zanda combines all your admin, billing, scheduling, and communication needs into one easy-to-use platform built specifically for health practitioners. It supports SLTs to simplify practice management, from online bookings and automated reminders to secure notes, AI, invoicing, and payments, all in one connected system. Zanda helps you stay organised, improve cash flow, and create a smooth client experience from first appointment to final payment. https://zandahealth.com/uk/profession/speech-therapy-software/?utm_source=rcslt&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=UK_Podcast&utm_content=paid Please be aware that the views expressed are those of the guests and not the RCSLT.

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This is the official podcast of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists - RCSLT. We were established on 6 January 1945 to promote the art and science of speech and language therapy – the care for individuals with communication, swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties. We are the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK; providing leadership and setting professional standards. We facilitate and promote research into the field of speech and language therapy, promote better education and training of speech and language therapists and provide information for our members and the public about speech and language therapy.

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