“But What do they Want?” Communication and Supported Decision-Making for People with Complex Communication Needs. Ethical Considerations for SLPs.

Abstract

This paper examines the role of the speechlanguage pathologist (SLP) in supporting decision-making for people with cognitive disability and complex communication needs. This discussion is framed by considering ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, and autonomy from the perspective of the SLP. Guillemin and Gillam’s (2008) approach in healthcare practice is used to illustrate a clinical example to support SLPs’ decision-making process and discuss ethical tensions that may arise.

Keywords::

• Supported Decision-Making
• Ethics
• Complex Communication Needs

Notes

1 Pseudonym

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alicia Gorman

Alicia Gorman is a speech pathologist and PhD student at Curtin University.

Karen Wylie

Karen Wylie are speech pathology academics and researchers with a particular interest in ethical decisionmaking. They are supervising Alicia’s PhD studies.

Leitão Suze

Suze Leitão are speech pathology academics and researchers with a particular interest in ethical decisionmaking. They are supervising Alicia’s PhD studies.