Well-functioning primary care systems through audiology and speech-language pathology integration: a scoping review

This scoping review sought to describe how primary care teams including audiologists and speech-language pathologists (S-LPs), embody well-functioning system properties, within the Theory of Systems Change.

This review was completed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and Embase Classic, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles focusing on (1) audiologists and S-LPs and (2) primary care teams. Retrieved articles then underwent a screening and extraction process.

Forty-six studies were identified. Considering the components of the Theory of Systems Change, all studies demonstrated evidence-driven action and learning. Forty-two studies discussed adaptation strategies to external challenges. Teams aligned their work with micro, meso, macro, and mega system level considerations. Collaboration occurred through team meetings, information technology, care coordination, role clarification and negotiation, and joint care delivery.

Bridging systems level and clinical theories can provide better context to advocate for the integration of these two professions into primary care teams. Audiologists and S-LPs enable patient/family participation which allows healthcare providers to gather the necessary information through communication focused care that can effectively integrate clinical and systems level frameworks.