Role of speech-language therapists in palliative care

ABSTRACT Purpose: to describe the practice of speech-language therapy and identify the necessary competencies when working with people who require palliative care (PC), in Chile. Methods: a study employing a qualitative methodology to collect data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 speech-language therapists experienced in PC. These interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. Results: the primary areas of intervention that were identified include feeding and swallowing, communication, and emotional support. It was observed that PC is typically provided by interdisciplinary or, in some cases, transdisciplinary teams that may use various approaches. This research highlights the importance of training in public policy, ethics, and bioethics, as well as the need for effective listening and emotional management skills in PC settings. Conclusion: there is a need for specific training in emotional management and therapeutic skills for palliative care patients, along with a consensus on approaches for working with this population. Additionally, it is crucial to establish the role of speech-language therapy in PC. Defining key concepts, such as therapeutic support, is essential for a better understanding and practice of this field.