St. Ambrose University Speech-Language Pathology Program Improves No-Cost Community Clinic Services With New Video Technology

The St. Ambrose University RiteCare Clinic was granted funding from the Scott County Regional Authority and the Iowa Scottish Rite Masonic Foundation to install intelligent recording technology in 6 clinic rooms.

The new Video Audio Learning Tool (VALT) technology supports the clinic's provision of speech-language pathology prevention, assessment and intervention services for those with communication, language and swallowing disorders.

Through Intelligent Video Solutions (IVS), the VALT system provides a means for clinical supervisors to observe sessions and provide real-time feedback. Sessions are also recorded for later review by the clinical supervisor and graduate students, providing a mechanism for families, caregivers, or students to observe and learn.

"We were missing the ability for students to reflect on their performance. The VALT system allows us to take advantage of in-the-moment learning opportunities by seeing these clinical interactions in real-time," said Elisa Huff, PhD, CCC-SLP, MSLP Director and Professor. "Now, the faculty supervisor and student can discuss areas of student growth by watching parts of the therapy session together.

"We can say, ‘Let's watch this moment in the session, see this is where you could have provided more assistance,' and it also allows the student to point out specific areas where they were unsure what to do next. This is the epitome of evidence-based, patient-centered care."

The funding allowed for the installation of six pan/tilt/zoom cameras, ceiling microphones with amplifiers, noise reduction systems, and additional hardware and software used by the VALT system.

VALT will also assist the MSLP program in developing a video library which will be used to demonstrate concepts and clinical skills in academic classes as well as assist students experiencing difficulty acquiring and/or implementing concepts and skills.

Operated by the SAU Master of Speech-Language Pathology program, the SAU RiteCare Clinic educates and trains speech-language pathology graduate students. It is the only no-cost clinic in Iowa that provides speech-language pathology assessment and/or intervention services to children and adults who cannot afford or are otherwise ineligible to receive services.

On average, 2000 hours of speech-language pathology services are provided at no cost through the SAU Rite Care Clinic annually as well as through other community organizations such as SAU Children's Campus, SAU Interprofessional Clinic, Friendly House Preschool, Empower House, Hope at the Brick House and Edwards Educational Tutoring Ministry.