Joint assessments

Our assessment process

Our speech and language therapists offer joint assessments for individuals with speech, language and communication or eating and drinking difficulties.

A joint assessment is an assessment which is carried out by two or more professional team members, usually involving two members.

A joint assessment will involve two or more professionals assessing an individual’s abilities and needs. This may be professionals from the same discipline e.g. speech and language therapy, or may involve other professionals e.g. physiotherapists or occupational therapists.

Each professional will work collaboratively to assess the individual in their area of specialism.

Why would an individual need a joint assessment?

The speech and language therapist will work closely with other team members when assessing and treating individuals with speech, language and communication difficulties.

An individual may require a joint assessment if they have a condition or disorder which affects more than one area of ability. For example an individual who has suffered a stroke will often require input from speech and language therapy for their communication difficulties and physiotherapy for their physical difficulties. Individuals with difficulties in other areas will often have an impact on their speech and language ability or vice versa.

A joint assessment will allow the speech and language therapist to understand how the individual is coping in other areas and how this is impacting on their communication, eating and drinking abilities.

Joint assessments may also be carried out for individuals with communication difficulties, so the speech and language therapist can support the other professional in communicating more effectively with them when carrying out their assessment.

If you feel you may benefit from speech and language therapy or would like any more information on our services please email office@slt.co.uk or call 0330 088 5643.