2 answers
Tia
Student
Bismarck, North Dakota
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to create patient-centered care and personalized treatment plans as a speech-language pathologist?
I am now a Junior in college and have been studying to be a SLP. I have been passionate about this career since freshman year of high school. I just want to know how I can provide the best care to my patients.
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2 answers
Lynne Stevens
Speech Language Pathologist
4
Answers
Silver Spring, Maryland
Updated
Lynne’s Answer
Hi Tia,
I agree with what Charlotte said in her response. However, I feel that it is very important to understand and make connections with what you learn in your courses/ curriculum to be able to use good clinical judgment when providing treatment to your patients, clients, or students. This understanding will support you in getting the outcomes that you and the client are expecting.
I agree with what Charlotte said in her response. However, I feel that it is very important to understand and make connections with what you learn in your courses/ curriculum to be able to use good clinical judgment when providing treatment to your patients, clients, or students. This understanding will support you in getting the outcomes that you and the client are expecting.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Tia,
That’s amazing you’ve been passionate about becoming a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for so long — that kind of commitment already puts you ahead. The best way to create patient-centered care and personalized treatment plans as an SLP is to truly listen to your patient’s goals, values, and daily life needs first, not just focus on the diagnosis. Build strong relationships by asking open-ended questions about how communication challenges affect their work, school, or social life. Then, tailor therapy activities to fit their personal goals — for example, helping a child say their sibling’s name clearly or helping an adult regain confidence for job interviews after a stroke. Also, regularly adjust treatment plans based on how the patient is responding, and collaborate with families, teachers, or other healthcare providers when needed. Staying flexible, compassionate, and focused on real-world outcomes will help you give the best care possible.
That’s amazing you’ve been passionate about becoming a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for so long — that kind of commitment already puts you ahead. The best way to create patient-centered care and personalized treatment plans as an SLP is to truly listen to your patient’s goals, values, and daily life needs first, not just focus on the diagnosis. Build strong relationships by asking open-ended questions about how communication challenges affect their work, school, or social life. Then, tailor therapy activities to fit their personal goals — for example, helping a child say their sibling’s name clearly or helping an adult regain confidence for job interviews after a stroke. Also, regularly adjust treatment plans based on how the patient is responding, and collaborate with families, teachers, or other healthcare providers when needed. Staying flexible, compassionate, and focused on real-world outcomes will help you give the best care possible.
great answer, Charlotte! Ask the patient r family about the person's career, hobbies, names of children, etc, words that are the most frustrating for him to say, etc. Give him a choice wherever possible about what to work on.
Katie Schwartz, CCC-SLP