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Communication is fundamental to mental health services for every patient, caregiver and clinician interaction. Without adequate communication skills, the aspiration to inclusion, engagement and recovery is likely to fail. Speech and language therapists provide specialist knowledge directly with patients, and indirectly via clinicians and caregivers. The objective of this study was to explore current UK provision and practice of speech and language therapists supporting working age adults with mental health conditions. A ten question online survey was shared on social media and sent to a network of speech and language therapists interested in mental health services in September 2019. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics supported by free text survey responses. From survey closing in March 2020, 96 responses were received from across the four UK nations describing widely varying services. Respondents reported concerning gaps in SLT provision, other professions not understanding the SLT role, but over 75% of respondents reported multidisciplinary ways of working. Risks associated with communication impairment are often overlooked. The understanding of mental health professionals about the role of speech and language therapists is patchy. Highlighting awareness amongst the mental health workforce about communication impairment will improve access to treatment and care for all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with life-limiting disease are among the most vulnerable groups accessing healthcare. Given this vulnerability, polarized views have been expressed in the literature regarding such individuals' involvement in research studies. This is further compounded when the research is focused on rehabilitation, the concept of which is often misunderstood by patients, carers, and medical professionals. A number of factors can affect how we conduct research to elicit the needs of people with life-limiting disease, including social, historical, and cultural influences. Despite advances in palliative care research, challenges remain for those working across the specialism. In this review, we discuss the challenges of conducting rehabilitation research in this distinct clinical specialism and important considerations when involving patients and carers. We highlight the opportunities for understanding patient rehabilitation needs through mixed methods research design for studies involving those undergoing potentially complex rehabilitation interventions across settings. Note People with life-limiting disease will be referred to as 'patients' in the context of their being involved with the healthcare system and receiving care from a clinician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]