The Ministry of Health in Vietnam has announced a set of guidelines for speech and language therapy diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for patients with stroke, traumatic brain injuries and cerebral palsy. This is a product of Humanity and Inclusion’s (HI) project with the Ministry. Two of our MSALT & BSALT volunteers Jemma Thompson and Janella Christie contributed to the development of these guidelines.

Jemma reports:
“It was a privilege to be involved in the development of national speech and language therapy guidelines for stroke and traumatic brain injury with Vietnam’s leaders in the field. The process involved a thorough review of current international guidelines followed by an intensive week of discussions to localise a set of appropriate guidelines. The guidelines took shape with the assistance of a group of dedicated professionals from all over Vietnam who have invaluable local insights. The guidelines are an exciting next step in the development of speech and language therapy in Vietnam!”

Janella reports:
“In 2018, after TFA had partnered with Humanity and Inclusion (HI) Vietnam, I was one of three speech pathologists involved with developing a comprehensive Model of Care (MOC) for Persons with Brain Lesions (stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy (CP) and/or spina bifida/hydrocephalus).  More specifically, I coordinated the feeding MOC for children with cerebral palsy and Leila Ball (UK SP) coordinated the MOC relating to communication.
Health professionals involved with SLT development in Vietnam were invited to attend a 3 day workshop in HCMC to discuss  and collaboratively decide on the guidelines for children with cerebral palsy and feeding / communication difficulties.  The guidelines were then finalised for HI to approve and implement.”

(Above picture collage is from these workshops)