Recently, there has been a growing need for clinically accurate, diagnostically validated, adaptable, comprehensive and efficient aphasia assessments. To meet this demand the Brisbane Evidence Based Language Test (EBLT) was created.
Since its release, no comprehensive studies have been conducted into speech and language therapists’ (SLTs) use and perceptions of the EBLT. To inform future research and improvements, a better understanding of SLTs’ current language assessment practices, use of the EBLT, as well as their thoughts on it are necessary.
Assessment
When it comes to assessing language in the acute hospital setting, there are numerous practice barriers. These include time constraints, patient comorbidities and competing demands. Thus, an evidence-based, diagnostically valid, adaptable and clinically robust assessment is necessary.
To address this need, we conducted a systematic review of currently available standardized spoken language assessments for children aged 4-12 years. This review identified 15 assessments and assessed their psychometric quality using COSMIN criteria.
This review assessed each assessment on six COSMIN measurement properties: reliability, structural validity, intra-rater reliability (IRR), inter-rater reliability (IRR), test-retest reliability and hypothesis testing. Schellingerhout et al (2011) provided overall evidence ratings for each measurement property.
This study identified several areas for further investigation in regards to individual assessments and the field of child language assessment generally. Particularly, more studies should be conducted that examine the psychometric quality of language assessments.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is a fundamental element of healthcare and helps to prevent disease or injury from occurring in the first place. It also enhances treatment plans by identifying patients who would most benefit from them. Finally, diagnosis plays an integral role in tracking down and combatting pandemics such as COVID-19–affecting mainly young children–to combat their spread.
It may be difficult to do away with the traditional medical chart and pen-and-paper diagnosis approach, but there are now a variety of computerised tests that can provide more precise diagnoses. These tools assess language development, comprehension, as well as other speech and language functions. For instance, the Sydney Evidence Based Language Test is an advanced electronic assessment of verbal and nonverbal language skills with results presented in a customized report. Moreover, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN) offers diagnostic services tailored for patients that provide more in-depth assessments through their network partners.
Treatment
The Sydney Evidence Based Language Test (EBLT) is an accurate and reliable assessment tool for adult language impairments in acute hospital settings. The EBLT was specifically designed to overcome practice barriers that might otherwise prevent accurate assessment in such clinical situations, such as time constraints, patient comorbidities or competing demands. The comprehensive sydney evidence-based treatment program includes the EBLT, speech pathologist-led language therapy sessions and comprehensive follow-up support services.
The EBLT test is available as either a comprehensive 45 minute assessment, or divided into four shorter tests designed for everyday use in acute hospital settings and taking no more than 25 minutes to administer. These short assessments can be used to assess various severity levels from severe/global deficits to high level language abilities. Both versions of the EBLT short tests have been endorsed by both Australian Speech-Language and Communication Association and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN), an umbrella organisation providing services across several hospitals throughout NSW, Australia.
Follow-up
The Sydney Evidence Based Language Test (SYStEM) is an engaging linguistic assessment tool that may improve patient outcomes. Created by researchers at UNSW, the SYStEM is a multimodal, multi-dimensional behavioural and lexical assessment system composed of multiple components. Validated and now available for use by speech and language therapists throughout Australia, its most impressive feature is its reliability in clinical settings – designed with reliability in mind for communication assessment needs.
The SYStM test was well-crafted and highly usable, which should be utilized alongside other evidence-based assessment tools to guarantee optimal outcomes for both patients and therapists. It should be an invaluable addition to any therapist’s toolbox.
