Episode 13: Multidisciplinary Teams for Neurodegenerative Diseases & the SLP's Role with Lindsey Heidrick, SLPD
“In multidisciplinary care, what you really want is to empower your patient.”
Dr. Lindsey Heidrick works on multidisciplinary teams for ALS, Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and MD (muscular dystrophy). In this episode, Lindsey describes the services she provides in each of these three separate clinics, who she collaborates with, and the benefits to the patient when they are seen as part of a multidisciplinary team.
It’s a truly eye opening perspective on a very different service delivery model that we, as SLPs, can practice and be a valuable tool within a neurologist’s outpatient office. Lindsey also covers emerging research regarding these populations. Other important topics: active listening, voice banking, collaboration with a dietician, and group voice therapy for PD.
“What I tell my patients is: my job isn’t to tell you what to do, it’s to give you the resources so you make the best decision and the right plan for yourself...At the end of the day, to do my job well is to educate you. ”
Dig deeper with the following article:
A Guide to Understanding the Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Treatment. Driskell, Lucas D. et al. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Volume 100 , Issue 3 , 583 - 586.
*Open access article link! Yay!
Helpful websites for more info regarding neurodegenerative diseases:
Muscular Dystrophy Association “Since 1950, we've spearheaded efforts to transform the lives of people with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.“
The ALS Association “To discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.”
The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Parkinson’s Foundation “The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community.”
Music: Romantic Folk Loop by Twisterium
*I am not endorsing or being endorsed by any of these links/organizations.