The role of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in critical care can be unclear so this article sets out the scope of practice to increase awareness of the value of SLTs as part of the wider multidisciplinary team. Speech and language therapists (SLT) are trained to deliver specialist clinical services to adults with a broad range of disorders, including hearing impairment, motor speech disorders (dysarthria, dyspraxia), acquired language disorders (dysphasia), voice problems (dysphonia), and swallowing problems (oropharyngeal dysphagia [OD]). These are often linked to an acquired neurological disorder, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and dementia, although other acute conditions may affect these functions, especially when linked to respiratory dysfunction requiring tracheostomy and ventilation.

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