Gwynedd Mercy University’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy students learned how interdisciplinary collaboration can improve client care through a holistic approach during a recent interactive session.

Students worked in small groups to examine similarities and differences between the roles of occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists — for example, how each profession handles feeding issues.

“SLPs focus on oral motor skills and the swallowing components of feeding, while we address the fine motor skills required for accessing feeding utensils, sensory processing outside and within the mouth, and oral motor skills required for eating,” said one OT student.

Students collaborated on a case study, combining perspectives from both disciplines to identify a client’s strengths and areas of need.

“MSSLP students contributed strategies to support communication and feeding, while MSOT students focused on the client’s occupational needs,” said Dr. Jennifer McIlvaine O’Donnell, an assistant professor at GMercyU.

Students then reconvened as a group to discuss priorities for intervention based on the needs of the client and family. They also identified meaningful daily routines (like mealtime and bedtime) where strategies from both disciplines could be effectively integrated.

Students enjoyed learning about each other’s professions and how they could work together to accomplish multiple goals. Just as helpful, they learned what they wouldn’t collaborate on professionally, too.

“It will be easier to refer a client to OT now that I know what is in their scope of practice,” said one MSSLP student.

Learn more about Gwynedd Mercy University and how it prepares students for successful careers and meaningful lives in a global society.