ESO TF4UKR Department-to-Department Visiting Programme

An incredible learning experience at Karolinska University Hospital through the D2D programme by the European Stroke Organisation (ESO)!

Together with a physician in physical and rehabilitation medicine (Dr. Guliaieva) we observed the highly skilled work of a multidisciplinary team: doctors, nurses, speech &language therapists, and other specialists.

During my clinical training at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, I had the opportunity to observe and participate in the work of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in both acute and post-acute care settings. This was an extremely valuable and enriching experience that allowed me to broaden my professional knowledge and gain insight into interdisciplinary collaboration in a world-renowned medical facility.

Part of the SLT team works with patients in the acute phase of their condition, particularly those in intensive care units (ICUs). I had the opportunity to accompany the SLTs during the clinical assessment of such patients. Additionally, I was involved in two gold-standard instrumental swallowing assessments: Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) and Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS). These procedures were followed by team discussions to determine appropriate therapeutic strategies and treatment plans based on the results.

I also participated in the diagnostic process for patients with head and neck cancer. These patients were evaluated both before and after tumor resection. It was insightful to observe how assessments and therapy planning are tailored to each patient’s condition and surgical outcomes.

Furthermore, I visited a rehabilitation center where patients stay after the acute phase of their illness. There, I observed the evaluation and treatment of patients with aphasia. I attended outpatient rehabilitation sessions and became familiar with the tools and scales used for aphasia diagnostics. Among these were standardised assessments such as:

• Western Aphasia Battery (WAB)
• Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE)
• Aachen Aphasia Test (AAT)

This clinical experience deeply inspired me. I was particularly impressed by the professionalism, empathy, and scientific approach demonstrated by every member of the speech and language therapy team. The high level of interdisciplinary cooperation and the attention given to each individual patient were exemplary and serve as a model for clinical work.

I am sincerely grateful to the entire SLT team at Karolinska University Hospital for their openness, support, and willingness to share their experience and knowledge. Their mentorship made my stay not only educational but also personally meaningful. This training has strengthened my motivation to continue developing in the field of speech-language pathology and to implement the best international practices in my own work.