Training Courses and Events

Better Conversations Communication Partner Training for Speech and Language Therapy Assistants

A clinical course for speech and language therapy assistants and rehabilitation assistants with a special interest in communication to build practical skills in supporting the delivery of communication partner training. Delivered by: Dr Anna Volkmer (UCL, NHNN Queen Square), Dr Suzanne Beeke (UCL) and Claire Farrington-Douglas (Independent Speech and Language Therapist).

This course aims to provide you with the theoretical and practical tools and experience to deliver CPT to clients with speech language and communication difficulties arising from stroke, brain injury and primary progressive aphasia. It covers:

What is conversation and why is it important for rehabilitation?

• An overview of the impact of aphasia, cognitive communication difficulties, primary progressive aphasia and dysarthria on everyday conversation
• The principles and stages of the Better Conversations approach to communication partner training
• How to make a video of everyday conversations
• Supporting the delivery of conversation practice, including feedback on strategy use
• Problem solving based on clinical scenarios

You will develop skills in:

• Making conversation videos
• Supporting the client and their family/friend to practice conversation strategies
• Giving feedback during practice

Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Better Conversations Communication Partner Training for Acquired Neurological Conditions

A clinical course for speech and language therapists to build practical skills in delivering communication partner training. Delivered by: Dr Anna Volkmer (UCL and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square) and Richard Talbot (UCL and Independent speech and language therapist) who are both members of the Better Conversations team.

Delivering communication partner training (CPT) is challenging because it is a complex intervention. This course aims to provide you with the theoretical and practical tools and experience to deliver CPT to clients with speech language and communication difficulties arising from stroke, brain injury and primary progressive aphasia. It covers:

• An overview of the CPT evidence base and principles of the Better Conversations approach
• Opportunities to practice assessing conversation using video-based cases and to plan an intervention session
• Problem-based learning in how to support a client and their family/friend to watch videos of their own conversations and to jointly set goals
• Opportunities to problem solve teletherapy delivery of CPT
• Advice on measuring outcomes of individual and group-based CPT

You will develop skills in:

• Assessing conversation
• Supporting the client and their family/friend to identify barriers and facilitators and set goals
• Delivering teleCPT
• Measuring CPT outcomes

Please note refreshments will not be provided but there is a café on campus that will be open throughout the day.

In person at University of Queensland St Lucia Campus, St Lucia, Brisbane Australia

Booking link