Ms Joanne Walters

Lecturer

School of Humanities and Social Science (Speech Pathology)

Email:joanne.walters@newcastle.edu.au
Phone:02 49217350

Career Summary

Biography

Joanne Walters is a Lecturer and Clinical Education Coordinator for the Speech Pathology (honours) program at the University of Newcastle, Australia.

In her role as lecturer she teaches into all years of the program with an emphasis on translation of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice and her interest area of paediatric speech sound disorders.

In her role as clinical education coordinator she is responsible for strategic planning and implementation of the clinical education program.

Joanne is a qualified speech pathologist with particular interest in exploring and engaging with diversity in clinical education through use of innovative models of clinical education that enhance the student learning experience. She facilitates training for numerous clinical educators directly associated with the program at UoN.

Current research projects include evaluation of a range of clinical education models and the use of simulation. Joanne is currently an investigator on a national grant funded through the Department of Health investigating the development of a framework for embedding simulation in clinical training in Australian speech pathology curricula.

Joanne’s excellence in engaging with Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities have seen her formally recognised with 3 university awards for engaging in WIL, internationally, in schools and in aged care.

Qualifications

Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion, University of Newcastle

Keywords

Clincal Education
Clinical skills
Evidence Based Practice
Interprofessional Learning (IPL)
Paediatric language
Paediatric speech sound disorders
Professional Issues
Simulation
Speech Sound Disorders
Work Integrated Learning

Fields of Research

Code	Description	Percentage
420110	Speech pathology	100

Professional Experience

UON Appointment

Title	Organisation / Department
Lecturer	University of Newcastle School of Humanities and Social Science Australia

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Publications

For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.

Journal article (7 outputs)

Year

Citation

Altmetrics

Link

2020

Hill AE, Ward E, Heard R, McAllister S, McCabe P, Penman A, et al., 'Simulation can replace part of speech-language pathology placement time: A randomised controlled trial', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY, 23 92-102 (2020) [C1]

DOI	10.1080/17549507.2020.1722238
Citations	Scopus - 4Web of Science - 2
Co-authors	Sally Hewat

2020

Lee M, Walters J, Hewat S, 'The impact of an online cultural simulation activity on the development of speech pathology students' cultural empathy: A pilot study', International Journal of Practice-Based Learning in Health and Social Care, 8 16-28 (2020)

Despite the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Australian population, research suggests that speech pathologists do not feel confident when providing services to Cultural an... [more]

Despite the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Australian population, research suggests that speech pathologists do not feel confident when providing services to Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (CALD) clients and would benefit from further education and training in this area. Cultural empathy has been described as a precursor to cultural competence and previous research has demonstrated the positive impact on nursing students' cultural empathy toward CALD clients following an interactive cultural simulation experience. This study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of an online cultural simulation activity in developing the cultural empathy of speech pathology students. Students completed an online cultural simulation in their own time, followed by a tutorial debrief. Both the simulation and debrief were considered to comprise the 'simulation activity'; which was a component of a first-year introduction to clinical practice course. Participants completed a pre-survey and post-survey, containing the Comprehensive Empathy Scale (CES) and demographic questions. Results were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and a Paired Sample t-test, and a power analysis was conducted to direct future studies. Ten students participated and improved an average of 11.3 on the CES (p=0.14). A power analysis revealed that a minimum of 45 participants would be needed in future studies to observe any statistically significant results. The online application of the cultural simulation activity was feasible, and results indicate an improvement in cultural empathy, although the improvement did not reach statistical significance. Implications for future studies are discussed.

DOI	10.18552/IJPBLHSC.V8I2.585
Co-authors	Sally Hewat

2020

Hewat S, Penman A, Davidson B, Baldac S, Howells S, Walters J, et al., 'A framework to support the development of quality simulation-based learning programmes in speech language pathology', International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 55 287-300 (2020) [C1]

Background: Simulation-based learning provides students with a safe learning environment, guaranteed exposure to specific clinical scenarios and patients, time for reflection and ... [more]

Background: Simulation-based learning provides students with a safe learning environment, guaranteed exposure to specific clinical scenarios and patients, time for reflection and repetition of tasks, and an opportunity to receive feedback from multiple sources. Research including studies specific to allied health training programmes have demonstrated that simulation-based learning also helps increase learners¿ confidence and reduces anxiety related to clinical environments, activities and skills. Such evidence, together with increasing challenges in provision of workplace clinical education, has supported an expansion of integrating simulation-based learning into university curricula. Aims: To provide detailed information about the processes and considerations involved in the development of a simulation-based learning programme for speech¿language pathology. Methods & Procedures: Through reflection on the development process of a 5-day simulation-based learning programme, and in light of existing research in simulation, this paper outlines the important steps and considerations required for the development of a simulation-based learning programme to support student competency development in adult speech pathology range of practice areas. Main Contribution: A proposed framework for the development of future simulation-based learning programmes in speech¿language pathology. Conclusions & Implications: The framework can be applied to simulation-based learning for university programmes and/or workplace training in speech¿language pathology and across several other health disciplines.

DOI	10.1111/1460-6984.12515
Citations	Scopus - 5Web of Science - 4
Co-authors	Sally Hewat

2019

Unicomb R, Walters J, Pullin L, Bowen C, 'Listening to SLPs: How helpful are Australian English acquisition norms for velar stops to the child speech evaluation process?', Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 21 87-94 (2019) [C1]

Co-authors	Rachael Unicomb

2018

Hopf S, Walker T, Carkeet D, Perera S, Khatri T, Walters J, Webb G, 'Building communication capacity: Letters from Fiji', ASHA. Supplement, ASHA KIRAN 17-23 (2018)

Co-authors	Gwendalyn Webb

2017

Webb GL, Hewat S, Walters J, Wenger T, Laurence A, 'NUSpeech A model for international clinical placements in speech-language pathology.', Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language, 19 157-162 (2017) [C1]

Co-authors	Gwendalyn Webb, Sally Hewat

Hewat S, Walters J, Caird E, Aldridge D, Penman A, Cardell E, et al., 'Clinical Educators Perceptions of Students Following a Simulation-Based Learning Program', Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders, 4

DOI	10.30707/tlcsd4.3/jrce8530

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Conference (13 outputs)

Year

Citation

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2019

Alley N, Walters J, Unicomb R, Unicomb R, 'Production of /k/ and /g/ in Australian school-aged children: A retrospective file audit', Brisbane (2019)

Co-authors	Rachael Unicomb

2019

White H, Walters J, Unicomb R, Little A, 'Speech pathology in schools (SPinS): Use of technology to facilitate caregiver communication and home practice', Brisbane (2019)

Co-authors	Rachael Unicomb

2019

Unicomb R, Walters J, Hewat S, Spencer E, Webb G, 'Scaffolding for student success in learning (3SL): A framework for teaching and learning in speech pathology', Brisbane, Australia (2019)

Co-authors	Liz Spencer, Gwendalyn Webb, Rachael Unicomb, Sally Hewat

2018

Webb GL, Walters J, Cranney E, 'Perspectives of speech pathologists on the speech characteristics of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder', Perspectives of speech pathologists on the speech characteristics of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Adelaide, SA (2018)

Co-authors	Gwendalyn Webb

2018

Hill A, Penman A, McCabe P, Purcell A, Ward E, Caird E, et al., 'Simulation can replace clinical placement time with no impact on competency', Simulation can replace clinical placement time with no impact on competency, Adelaide (2018)

Co-authors	Sally Hewat

2018

Ward E, Caird E, Khanal S, Kularatna S, Byrnes J, Hill AE, et al., 'The Economic Evaluation of Simulation: Costs and Considerations', The Economic Evaluation of Simulation: Costs and Considerations, Adelaide (2018)

Co-authors	Sally Hewat

2018

Walters J, Hewat S, 'From university to the real world: Reflections from speech pathology students and new graduates', Adelaide (2018)

Co-authors	Sally Hewat

2017

Byrne N, Walters J, Perkins J, 'Describing stakeholder relationships in speech pathology clinical placements', Describing stakeholder relationships in speech pathology clinical placements, Sydney (ICCC) (2017)

2017

Walters J, Webb G, Hopf S, Hewat S, Byrne N, O'Toole G, 'Speech pathology clinical placements in Fiji', Speech pathology clinical placements in Fiji, Sydney ICCC (2017)

Co-authors	Gwendalyn Webb, Sally Hewat

2017

Unicomb RA, Hewat S, Byrne N, Walters J, Spencer E, 'Confidence in working with people with communication disorders: The effects of an online University course delivered to non-speech-language pathology students', Confidence in working with people with communication disorders: The effects of an online University course delivered to non-speech-language pathology students, Sydney (2017)

Co-authors	Liz Spencer, Sally Hewat, Rachael Unicomb

2017

Walters J, Unicomb R, Wenger T, Laurence A, 'Future speech pathologists, future technologies: Student speech pathologists knowledge and use of technology in clinical practice', Future speech pathologists, future technologies: Student speech pathologists knowledge and use of technology in clinical practice, Sydney (2017)

Co-authors	Rachael Unicomb

2017

Blencowe L, Unicomb R, Walters J, Bowen C, 'Perspectives on acquisition of the velars /k, g/ in monolingual Australian children', Perspectives on acquisition of the velars /k, g/ in monolingual Australian children, Sydney (2017)

Co-authors	Rachael Unicomb

2017

Spencer E, Unicomb R, Walters J, Unicomb RA, 'Exploring models of health and evidence used to guide clinical practice in the health professions: ICF, E3BP, what the ?', Exploring models of health and evidence used to guide clinical practice in the health professions: ICF, E3BP, what the ?, HMRI, Newcastle (2017)

Co-authors	Liz Spencer, Rachael Unicomb

Show 10 more conferences

Report (1 outputs)

Year

Citation

Altmetrics

Link

2018

Hewat S, Walters J, 'Clinical Education In Australia: Building a Profession for the Future', Speech Pathology Australia, 68 (2018)

Co-authors	Sally Hewat

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Grants and Funding

Summary

Number of grants	7
Total funding	$219,056

Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.

20201 grants / $5,000

Exploring current and recent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students' experience on clinical placement in social work and speech pathology$5,000

Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle

Funding body	Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Project Team	Dr Gwendalyn Webb (Lead), Mr Phillip Pallas, Ms Joanne Walters and Miss Rhyann Roberts
Scheme	Strategic Network and Pilot Project Grants Scheme
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2020
Funding Finish	2020
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

20192 grants / $89,750

Use of virtual reality to teach a core paediatric clinical skill in speech pathology: Oral musculature assessment (VROMA)$75,025

Funding body: NeW Education Framework I University of Newcastle

Funding body	NeW Education Framework I University of Newcastle
Project Team	Joanne Walters and Rachael Unicomb
Scheme	Digital Simulation Technology Evaluation Pilot 1 (STEP1)
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2019
Funding Finish	2019
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

Developing the speech pathology research network through measuring and building impact, and engagement capacity in the University of Newcastle's speech pathology clinics$14,725

Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle

Funding body	Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Project Team	Dr Rachael Unicomb (Lead), Dr Joanne Walters, Dr Sally Hewat, Dr Elizabeth Spencer, Dr Gwendalyn Webb
Scheme	Strategic Network and Pilot Project Grants Scheme
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2019
Funding Finish	2019
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

20172 grants / $67,338

SPA Clinical Education in Australia Project$52,338

Funding body: Speech Pathology Australia

Funding body	Speech Pathology Australia
Project Team	Associate Professor Sally Hewat, Ms Joanne Walters
Scheme	Research Grant
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2017
Funding Finish	2017
GNo	G1700878
Type Of Funding	C3100 – Aust For Profit
Category	3100
UON	Y

Society, Health and Disability Research Group: New Horizons$15,000

Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts

Funding body	University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
Scheme	FEDUA Strategic Networks and Pilot Projects (SNaPP)
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2017
Funding Finish	2017
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

20152 grants / $56,968

Embedding Simulation in Speech Pathology$46,050

Funding body: Speech Pathology Australia

Funding body	Speech Pathology Australia
Project Team	Associate Professor Sally Hewat, Ms Joanne Walters, Ms Anne Hill, Prof Liz Ward, Associate Professor Elizabeth Cardell, Ms Simone Howell, Associate Professor Tricia McCabe, Dr Alison Purcell, Associate Professor Bronwyn Davidson, Ms Stacey Baldac, Dr Robert Heard
Scheme	Research Grant
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2015
Funding Finish	2016
GNo	G1501542
Type Of Funding	Contract - Aust Non Government
Category	3AFC
UON	Y

Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant for adult and aged care (3rd yr) speech pathology on clinical placements (SPTH 3080) (in Hunter New England Health and Central Coast Local Health$10,918

Funding body: Mid North Coast Local Health District

Funding body	Mid North Coast Local Health District
Project Team	Doctor Nicole Byrne, Ms Joanne Walters, Dr Anne Vertigan
Scheme	Hunter and Coast ICTN Research and Quality Improvement Small Grant
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2015
Funding Finish	2015
GNo	G1500760
Type Of Funding	Other Public Sector - Commonwealth
Category	2OPC
UON	Y

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News

UoN’s Speech Pathology work recognised internationally

May 26, 2014

Head of speech pathology Dr Sally Hewat was recently recognised for her significant contributions to the people of Vietnam

Talking speech research

December 3, 2013

Five of the world’s top international speech pathologists are discussing their latest research at the three-day ‘Communicating Together’ Symposium in Newcastle