Capacity Building and Complex Communication Needs: A New Approach to Specialist Speech Pathology Services in Rural Victoria

Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide a description of the establishment of an innovative approach to improving speech pathology services and community inclusion of people with complex communication needs in rural Victoria. The East Hume Regional Communication Service was established by Ovens and King Community Health Service in partnership with Wodonga Regional Health Service in 2004 as part of a "hub and spoke" network of services across Victoria for people with complex communication needs. Unlike traditional speech pathology services that historically have focused on clinical one-to-one intervention, the Regional Communication Service has a strong focus on community capacity building, enhancing inclusion of people with complex communication needs through improved knowledge, skills and attitudes. This paper will review the relevant literature and outline the Victorian Government policy context within which the service was established. Service highlights and successful initiatives will be described and key factors contributing to the success of the East Hume Regional Communication Service will be explored. Areas for process improvement during the initial two years of operation will also be discussed. This article will provide an insight into establishment of a service delivery model addressing both individual needs and community inclusion that has the potential to be extended across multiple disciplines and areas of practice within rural Australia.