An analysis of referrals to speech and language therapy in 11 centres, 1987-95

This retrospective study analyses data collected on an information system developed specifically for the use of speech and language therapists in the management of their services. Eleven healthcare providers have used the system since 1985. This paper reflects data on 73,000 clients referred to these speech and language therapy services between 1987 and 1995. The annual referral rate to these 11 trusts in 1987 was 4129, rising to 11,944 in 1995. The percentage referrals per head of population per year varies between 0.32 and 0.58% of the population. Of referrals to speech and language therapy, 96% comes from 24 different sources, including self referrals and referrals from other agencies, such as education. The top five referrers in 1987 were health visitors, educational service, general medicine/geriatrics, general practitioners (GPs), and other speech and language therapists. In 1995 ear, nose and throat (ENT) services replaced speech and language therapists in the top five referrers.