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The role of speech-language pathologists in frailty: An Australian qualitative study of perceptions, practices, and
Kasey Cummings1, Joanne Murray1,2, Michael T Lawless1,2
1College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia.
Purpose:
Frailty is an important geriatric syndrome, yet the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in identifying and managing frailty remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of SLPs regarding frailty, including enablers, barriers, and opportunities for multidisciplinary improvements to frailty prevention and management.
Method:
In this exploratory qualitative study, data were collected from SLPs through online semi-structured interviews and analysed using a qualitative descriptive approach.
Result:
Seven Australian SLPs from acute, rehabilitation, geriatric, and community settings were interviewed. Three overarching themes were created: (1) SLPs understand the clinical manifestation of frailty but do not use explicit language to describe it; (2) SLPs acknowledged the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and barriers in frailty management; and (3) SLPs do not currently have an established identity within the frailty field, but do have a role within the multidisciplinary team and the care of people living with frailty.
Conclusion:
Participants' understandings of frailty varied and highlighted the lack of education about frailty as barriers to effective service provision. Additional research is required to produce formal recommendations for SLPs regarding frailty management, which may include frailty education to SLPs and awareness of SLPs' role within the multidisciplinary team.
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