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Communication disorders: planning a service to meet the needs
The British Journal of Disorders of Communication
|December 1, 1989
Summary
This study estimates the need for speech therapists in the UK, suggesting around 26 per 100,000 population. It also questions the scope and effectiveness of current speech therapy services.
Area of Science:
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The UK has a significant population with speech and language disabilities.
- Current provision of speech therapy services requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the size of the speech and language-disabled population in the UK.
- To determine appropriate speech therapy interventions and required staffing levels.
- To critically assess the effectiveness and scope of current speech therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of client groups within the speech and language-disabled population.
- Estimation of appropriate speech therapy patterns and levels.
- Calculation of required speech therapist numbers based on population and service needs.
Main Results:
- Approximately 26 qualified speech therapists per 100,000 population may be required under current service models.
- Concerns are raised about the potential overreach and unproven effectiveness of some speech therapy interventions.
Conclusions:
- Solutions for speech therapy provision challenges must address both service demand and supply.
- The importance of treatment evaluation and understanding spontaneous recovery patterns is highlighted.