"... Trial and error ...": speech-language pathologists' perspectives of working with Indigenous Australian adults with acquired communication disorders
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Purpose: This study explored speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perspectives about factors that influence clinical management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with acquired communication disorders (e.g. aphasia, motor speech disorders). Method: Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, seven SLPs working in North Queensland, Australia with experience working with this population participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify categories and overarching themes within the data. Result: Four categories, in relation to barriers and facilitators, were identified from participants' responses: (1) The Practice Context; (2) Working Together; (3) Client Factors; and (4) Speech-Language Pathologist Factors. Three overarching themes were also found to influence effective speech pathology services: (1) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Practices; (2) Information and Communication; and (3) Time. Conclusion: This study identified many complex and inter-related factors which influenced SLPs' effective clinical management of this caseload. The findings suggest that SLPs should employ a flexible, holistic and collaborative approach in order to facilitate effective clinical management with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with acquired communication disorders.
Journal
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
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Volume
18
ISBN/ISSN
1754-9515
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Issue
5
Pages Count
12
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Publisher
Informa Healthcare
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Publisher Location
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Publish Date
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Date
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EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.3109/17549507.2015.1101157