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Ganek H, Ab AG, Abate F, Abera B, Demissie H, Demissie Y, Habte MG, Gravem PE, Hakonsen H, Haye AT, Holmefjord A, Mollenhauer C, Rose M, Shepherd T, Wadhwaniya Z, Eshete M. Experiences establishing a new speech-language pathology training program in Ethiopia, a resource-limited setting: Lessons learned. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39089405 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2024.2367518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ethiopia is the second most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa. While Ethiopia's health care system includes primary health centres, general, and specialised hospitals, allied health care like speech-language pathology was not available until 2003. This article was written with the aim of sharing the experience of establishing speech-language pathology as a profession and the first speech-language pathology training program in Ethiopia. METHOD In this paper, we retrospectively examine how the leadership of local stakeholders, a multidisciplinary team, and the development of a professional infrastructure led to the success of the program. The authorship group, who were involved in the program from inception to implementation, share their experiences. RESULT The speech-language pathology undergraduate program at Addis Ababa University graduated its first class in 2019. Plans to grow the training program at the graduate level are ongoing. CONCLUSION This novel program, grown from several international partnerships, is an example of how low- and middle-income countries can improve access to the service providers necessary to treat their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary Ganek
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Abiye Gebre Ab
- Surgical Department, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Plastic Surgery Department, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fikre Abate
- Plastic Surgery Department, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Berhane Abera
- Plastic Surgery Department, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hanna Demissie
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Demissie
- Surgical Department, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Plastic Surgery Department, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Hanna Hakonsen
- Surgical Department, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Plastic Surgery Department, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Transforming Faces, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alemayehu Teklemariam Haye
- Department of Special Needs Education, College of Education and Behavioural Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Anders Holmefjord
- Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Transforming Faces, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Tracy Shepherd
- Centralized Equipment Pool, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Mekonen Eshete
- Surgical Department, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Plastic Surgery Department, Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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McAllister L, Hewat S, Penman A, Atherton M, Tran V, Verdon S, Nguyen TTT, Pham D, Webb G, Walters J. Stakeholder perspectives following implementation of Vietnam's first speech-language pathology degrees: recommendations for future curriculum development. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38682811 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2346237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate perspectives of multiple stakeholders involved in development and delivery of Vietnam's first speech-language pathology degrees and derive recommendations for future degrees in Vietnam and other Majority World countries. METHODS An exploratory-descriptive qualitative research design using focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews in the preferred language (English or Vietnamese) was used, with 70 participants from five stakeholder groups: project managers, students, academic educators, placement supervisors and interpreters. Transcriptions were analysed using thematic network analysis. RESULTS Analysis identified five organising themes: (1) People enjoyed working with/learning from others; (2) Benefits from/to stakeholders; (3) The pandemic impacted program delivery and learning; (4) Practical challenges; (5) Preparation with flexibility required for success and sustainability. From the five organising themes, one synthesising global theme was developed, conveying that satisfying international collaborations require preparation, support, high quality interpreting, and management of challenges. CONCLUSIONS Recommendations highlight the need for preparation, collaboration, support to manage challenges, flexibility, recognition for placement supervisors and high-quality interpreting. The recommendations are of relevance to other organisations engaged in development of professional degrees in Majority World countries. Future research would benefit from a critical investigation of the diverse perspectives of stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of international curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally Hewat
- Trinh Foundation Australia
- OST Therapy, China
- University of Newcastle
| | | | - Marie Atherton
- Trinh Foundation Australia
- Australian Catholic University
| | | | - Sarah Verdon
- Trinh Foundation Australia
- Charles Sturt University
| | | | - Dung Pham
- Medical Committee Netherlands - Vietnam
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Mulderry C, Jackson BN, Purdy SC. Children's speech, language and communication skills and parental knowledge in the growing up in New Zealand cohort. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024. [PMID: 38602295 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a substantial discrepancy between international and local prevalence rates for speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) amongst children in New Zealand. Reports of communication impairment are likely to be underestimates. Prevalence data can describe population characteristics and inform the scope and nature of services to adequately meet demand. Parents and other caregivers are central to the early identification of children with communication needs but they may not recognise their child's needs or act on their concerns. METHOD Cross-sectional data were available for the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) longitudinal study cohort at 24, 54 and 72 months of age, with 76% of whānau (families; n = 5241) completing three data waves. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were used to address: (1) What are the communication abilities of children in the first 5 years of life? (2) What do New Zealand parents understand of their children's communication? (3) Do New Zealand parents have concerns? (4) What are the trajectories of parental concern for children's communication in the first 6 years of life? RESULTS At 24 months old, 16% of children had communication skills that were of concern to their parents. At 54 months, there were concerns for 12.6% of children. Although most parents were able to describe their child's expressive abilities, many parents remained unconcerned when their child demonstrated communication skills that did not met developmental expectations. CONCLUSION Parents can offer valuable insights about their children, but in many cases their level of concern about SLCN did not align with a professional view which reflects a more nuanced understanding of children's speech and language and the impact on future communication skills and needs. Increased awareness through public health messaging specifically regarding lifelong influences of communication challenges will aid in prevention, early detection and intervention. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on this subject Parent's expectations of child speech and language development will inform how responsive they are to difficulties in their child. Appropriate parental concern is key to recognition of children with speech, language and communication needs that warrant referral to a professional. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Parents are aware of expressive language skills that children acquire and can accurately identify their children's skills but have less knowledge of the ages of acquisition. Some parents are not concerned, do not seek support despite recognisable difficulties, and demonstrate limited understanding of the future consequences for children with communication needs that are unmet. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Public health messaging should include both skills and age ranges for speech and language acquisition. Additionally, educating the public of the impact of speech, language and communication skills on children's futures is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bianca N Jackson
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Sherratt S. Hearing Loss and Disorders: The Repercussions of Climate Change. Am J Audiol 2023; 32:793-811. [PMID: 37812783 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-23-00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Climate change is considered to be the greatest threat to human health in the 21st century, and its effects are accelerating. Extensive research has clearly demonstrated its increasing impact across the continuum of health conditions. Despite this, there has been limited attention to the ramifications of climate change on hearing loss and hearing disorders. This lack of consideration is somewhat surprising as the environment itself and its changing nature have a substantial effect on hearing. METHOD Tackling climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century. To address this issue, this tutorial provides a general introduction to climate change and its three major elements (pollution, infectious diseases, and extreme weather events) and their effects on health. The substantial consequences of climate change for the incidence, development, and exacerbation of hearing loss and disorders are clearly described and detailed. CONCLUSIONS The challenge of responding to this very real and escalating threat to hearing requires a combination of prevention, advocacy, and education. These three roles place audiologists in the perfect position to take action on the far-reaching effects of climate change on hearing loss and disorders. To respond to this challenge and to fulfill these roles, several strategies, ranging from the individual level to the global level, are delineated for audiologists to incorporate into their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Sherratt
- Communication Research Australia, Newcastle, New South Wales
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Smith H, Dunstan K, Melvin K, Armstrong R, Frazer-Ryan S, Scarinci N. Co-designing a shared book reading environment at a community hub. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023:1-12. [PMID: 36896957 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2023.2182742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Community hubs often provide support to families in areas of high vulnerability and can provide unique opportunities for delivering early literacy programs. This study used a co-design process to engage families, staff, and community partners within a community hub to design an environment that supported shared book reading. METHOD Co-design was enacted in four phases: 1) interviews to understand user experiences relating to shared book reading; 2) focus groups to refine ideas into actions to support shared book reading and prioritise these actions; 3) implementation of changes; and 4) understanding of participants' experiences of involvement. RESULT Participant identified changes were implemented within four categories: 1) changing how books are organised, 2) showing families how to share books, 3) giving families information about how books can be borrowed, and 4) running more activities about books. Participants indicated they enjoyed being a part of a co-design process to affect change at the community hub. CONCLUSION Co-design enabled the development of collaborative changes to support book reading that were valued and owned by families, staff, and community partners. Community hubs can provide unique opportunities to engage with families in areas of vulnerability to support the development of early language and literacy skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Smith
- Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kym Dunstan
- Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katelyn Melvin
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rebecca Armstrong
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Skye Frazer-Ryan
- Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nerina Scarinci
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Sherratt S. Ameliorating poverty-related communication and swallowing disabilities: Sustainable Development Goal 1. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 25:32-36. [PMID: 36744845 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2022.2134458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE More than 700 million people globally are still living in extreme poverty. No poverty (Sustainable Development Goal 1, SDG 1), is considered to be the greatest global challenge. This paper aims to outline the effects of poverty on communication and swallowing disabilities across the lifespan and steps to take for its amelioration. RESULT Poverty and disability are in a vicious cycle with each being a cause for and a consequence of the other. Poverty has incontrovertible and significant ramifications for communication and swallowing disabilities across the lifetime from pregnancy to old age. The individual, family and social burden and costs of these disabilities have lifelong economic and social consequences. CONCLUSION Considering poverty is a known and important determinant of communication and swallowing disabilities, the most potent weapon is to focus on preventing and ameliorating poverty-related communication and swallowing disabilities in children. A call to action is issued to speech-language pathologists to take steps towards this goal. This commentary paper focusses on Sustainable Development Goal of no poverty (SDG 1) and also addresses zero hunger (SDG 2), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and climate action (SDG 13).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Sherratt
- Communication Research Australia, Rankin Park, Australia
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Sherratt S. What are the implications of climate change for speech and language therapists? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2021; 56:215-227. [PMID: 33258529 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emerging global issue of climate change has large-scale effects on health and well-being, including communication disorders. The broad range of the speech and language therapy profession's scope of practice incorporates prevention, advocacy and equality in service delivery. These act as a springboard for involvement in climate change and health. AIMS This is an appeal to speech and language therapists (SLTs) to focus and take action on this issue and its considerable effects on communication and swallowing disorders. METHODS & PROCEDURES This article discusses the importance of taking a public health position on prevention and equality of services to manage environmental determinants of communication and swallowing disorders. It also describes the extent to which climate change affects these disorders and exacerbates the inequality of healthcare services in low- and middle-income countries. MAIN CONTRIBUTION Five strategies are provided for action on fulfilling therapists' roles in reducing the incidence, development and exacerbation of climate-related communication and swallowing disorders, as well as the role of SLTs in acting as advocates. The case is made for expanding the scope of services to focus on prevention and service equality so as to best meet the needs of the wider community. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS Despite other challenges currently facing SLTs, climate change and its increasing effects on communication disorders and dysphagia is difficult to ignore. SLTs owe it to their clients, the wider community, low- and middle-income countries, the economy, and the future to take action. What this paper adds What is already known on the subject Multiple studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals show that climate change is extremely likely to be due to human activities. The global effects will be higher temperatures, changes in precipitation, more droughts and heatwaves, stronger and more intense hurricanes, and a rising sea level which directly threaten the health of entire populations. Other health professions are beginning to take climate change into account in training and practice. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Many disorders of communication and swallowing are caused or exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Increasing temperatures, extremes of precipitation, population displacement and air pollution contribute to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, respiratory disease, malnutrition, premature birth, air- and water-borne diseases, and mental illness. These may affect the communication and swallowing abilities across the lifespan, but particularly those of children and older adults. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? SLTs' roles in prevention, advocacy and education act as a starting point for involvement in climate change and health. Three practical strategies for action include educating SLTs and other health professionals on climate change and its effects on communication and swallowing, promoting awareness with clients and their families, and gathering and disseminating reliable data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Sherratt
- Communication Research Australia, Rankin Park, NSW, Australia
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Enderby PM, Law J. Speech, Language, and Communication in a Public Health Context: A UK Perspective with Potential Global Application - An Opinion Piece. Folia Phoniatr Logop 2019; 71:168-175. [PMID: 31048575 DOI: 10.1159/000495785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Speech and language therapists often contribute to public awareness campaigns as well as supporting, teaching and promoting the facilitation of speech, language, communication, and safe swallowing with the general public and health and social care professionals. These are sometimes considered as public health interventions. It is important to consider the objectives, costs, and impact of this involvement in the same way as reviewing the evidence associated with the more personally targeted interventions with individuals or groups of clients with specific conditions. This opinion piece discusses speech and language therapy in the context of public health, clarifies the terminology, and proposes different approaches to demonstrate its influence associated with its objectives. The content has been informed by a Working Party of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (2017-2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela M Enderby
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom,
| | - James Law
- School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Affiliation(s)
- James Law
- Professor of Speech and Language Sciences
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Wylie K, McAllister L, Davidson B, Marshall J, Amponsah C, Bampoe JO. Self-help and help-seeking for communication disability in Ghana: implications for the development of communication disability rehabilitation services. Global Health 2017; 13:92. [PMID: 29284504 PMCID: PMC5747098 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-017-0317-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low and middle-income countries, such as Ghana, communication disability is poorly recognised and rehabilitation services for people with communication disability are limited. As rehabilitation services for communication disability develop, and the profession of speech-language pathology grows, it is important to consider how services can most appropriately respond to the needs and preferences of the community. Understanding the ways in which people currently self-help and seek help for communication disability is central to developing services that build on existing local practices and are relevant to the community. METHODS A qualitative descriptive survey was used to explore likely self-help and help-seeking behaviours for communication disability, in Accra, Ghana. The survey required participants to describe responses to hypothetical scenarios related to communication disability. A mix of theoretical sampling and convenience sampling was used. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse data and develop categories and subcategories of reported self-help behaviours and sources of help and advice for communication disability. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-six participants completed the survey. Results indicated that community members would be likely to engage in a variety self-help strategies in response to communication disability. These included working directly with a person with a communication disability to attempt to remediate a communication impairment, altering physical and communication environments, changing attitudes or care practices, educating themselves about the communication disability, providing resources, and responding in spiritual ways. Participants indicated that they would seek help for communication disability across a range of sectors - including the Western healthcare, religious, and traditional sectors. CONCLUSIONS Understanding existing community actions to self-help and help-seek may allow emerging communication rehabilitation services, including the profession of speech-language pathology, to build on existing community practices in resource-limited contexts such as Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Wylie
- Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, ENT Department, PO Box 77, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW 2141 Australia
- Department of Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box 143, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lindy McAllister
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, NSW 2141 Australia
| | - Bronwyn Davidson
- Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, 550 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Julie Marshall
- Health Professions Department, Manchester Metropolitan University, 53 Bonsall Street, Manchester, M15 6GX UK
| | - Clement Amponsah
- Department of Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box 143, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Josephine Ohenewa Bampoe
- Department of Audiology, Speech and Language Therapy, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box 143, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
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Wylie K, McAllister L, Davidson B, Marshall J. Communication rehabilitation in sub-Saharan Africa: A workforce profile of speech and language therapists. Afr J Disabil 2016; 5:227. [PMID: 28730052 PMCID: PMC5433457 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v5i1.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent global need to strengthen rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. In sub-Saharan Africa, rehabilitation services for people with communication disabilities continue to be underdeveloped. A first step in strengthening services for people with a communication disabilities is to understand the composition and conditions of the current workforce. OBJECTIVES This research describes a sample of the speech and language therapists (SLTs) working in SSA (excluding South Africa). This study explores the characteristics of this workforce, including their demographics, education, experience and geographical stability. METHOD A mixed-methods survey was used to collect data from SLTs within Anglophone countries of SSA. Completed surveys were received from 33 respondents working in 44 jobs across nine countries. Analysis included descriptive and non-parametric inferential statistics. This study reports on a subset of descriptive and quantitative data from the wider survey. RESULTS A background profile of SLTs across the region is presented. Results indicated that the workforce of SLTs comprised a mix of local and international SLTs, with university-level education. Local SLTs were educated both within and outside of Africa, with more recent graduates trained in Africa. These data reflected the local emergence of speech and language therapy training in SSA. CONCLUSION This sample comprised a mix of African and international SLTs, with indications of growing localisation of the workforce. Workforce localisation offers potential advantages of linguistic diversity and stability. Challenges including workforce support and developing culturally and contextually relevant SLT practices are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Wylie
- ENT Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Bronwyn Davidson
- Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology, the University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Julie Marshall
- Health Professions Department, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
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