Annual Stephen Hawking MND lecture – communication in MND: how can we have better conversations?
In partnership with Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), the RCSLT held this year’s annual Stephen Hawking motor neurone disease (MND) lecture.
The lecture was suitable for all health and social care professionals, and members of the public with an interest in MND.
Lecture aims
The aim of these lectures is to bring current research in MND to members of the multidisciplinary team and demonstrate how this might feed into their practice. Presentations are prepared by experts in their field, and these engaging and popular events attract hundreds of health and social care professionals each year.
The lectures are held virtually in the evening to make attendance as open as possible and in the past, this annual event has attracted delegates from across Europe.
The 2022 lecture focused on effective communication.
The ability to connect with patients is key to all health disciplines as when communication is significantly impaired, it presents a clear challenge for professionals and their practice.
Professor Steven Bloch
The lecture was led by Professor Steven Bloch, (PhD, MRCSLT, SFHEA), professor of communication and social interaction in the division of psychology and language sciences, and vice dean education, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London.
Professor Bloch outlined emergent communication practice and research, and how all professionals can adapt their own communication to work better with people living with MND. Although the lecture focused on MND, much of the content will be applicable to many other conditions in which communication is impaired.
The online event was chaired by Dr Sean Pert, chair of board of trustees, RCSLT.
MNDA and RCSLT express their thanks to the Stephen Hawking Foundation for their funding support.
Download the event slides (PDF).
