Research output per year
Research output per year
Natalie Hegarty, J Titterington, Laurence Taggart
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the reasons behind speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’) current clinical practices (intervention and intensity provision) for children (0–18 years) with phonological impairment. Method: Three focus groups each with five SLPs and six 1:1 interviews with SLP managers from one region of the UK (n = 21) were carried out. A thematic analysis was undertaken. Result: SLPs often used an eclectic mix of familiar approaches with easily-accessible therapy materials. SLPs only reported deviating from their core approach if the child did not progress in therapy. Mixed responses were gathered on the perceived feasibility of transferring evidence-based intervention intensities into clinical practice. The importance of parents to increase intensity provision at home was noted. Barriers to SLPs’ evidence-based decision-making included: time; confidence levels; service-related restrictions and; difficulty replicating research in practice. Having peer support and access to decision-making pathways and manualised intervention protocols were considered ways to overcome these barriers. Conclusion: There is a research-practice gap in which SLPs’ current practices are driven by organisational factors, their own preferences and child-specific factors. To narrow this gap, SLPs suggested the development of time-saving, evidence-based tools.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 213-224 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 7 Jul 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 4 Mar 2021 |
Research output: Non-textual form › Web publication/site