Recent research, "Using co-design to develop a tool for shared goal-setting with parents in speech and language therapy" by Singer et al. (2022), has highlighted the importance of engaging parents in the goal-setting process for children with developmental language disorder (DLD). The study underscores the effectiveness of co-design methodologies in creating tools that foster better communication and shared decision-making between speech and language therapists (SLTs) and parents.
SLTs often face challenges in engaging parents during the goal-setting process, which can lead to therapist-led rather than family-centered interventions. This research addresses these challenges by involving SLTs in the co-design process to develop a tool that supports collaborative goal-setting. The resulting tool, named "ENGAGE," is a physical artefact that visually represents a child's growth and development through a tree metaphor, making the goal-setting process more interactive and engaging for parents.
The co-design process followed the Design Council's Double Diamond model, which includes four stages: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. This iterative approach ensures that the tool is user-centered and meets the needs of both SLTs and parents.
Here are some key insights and practical steps for SLTs to improve their practice by implementing the outcomes of this research:
- Understand the Importance of Parental Involvement: Research indicates that involving parents in the goal-setting process leads to better intervention outcomes. Parents provide unique insights into their child's communicative environment, which is crucial for setting relevant and achievable goals.
- Utilize the ENGAGE Tool: The ENGAGE tool consists of a metal tree trunk on which parents can place magnetic leaves representing different participation goals. This visual and interactive approach helps parents feel more involved and facilitates a more meaningful dialogue between the SLT and the parents.
- Adopt a Co-Design Approach: Engaging end-users in the design process ensures that the resulting tool is practical and user-friendly. SLTs should consider involving parents and other stakeholders in developing tools and strategies to enhance therapy outcomes.
- Focus on Shared Decision-Making: The ENGAGE tool supports shared decision-making by making therapy goals visible and organizing information in a way that is easy for parents to understand. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where both SLTs and parents can contribute to the goal-setting process.
- Iterate and Improve: The co-design process is iterative, involving multiple rounds of testing and feedback. SLTs should be open to refining their tools and strategies based on feedback from parents and other stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement.
In conclusion, the co-design approach used in this research highlights the benefits of involving SLTs and parents in developing tools for shared goal-setting. By adopting similar methodologies, SLTs can enhance their practice, foster better parent engagement, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for children with DLD.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Using co-design to develop a tool for shared goal-setting with parents in speech and language therapy.
