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Speech and language therapy: is it effective?
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Medicine, University of Bristol.
Public Health
|March 1, 1995
Summary
This literature review examines speech and language therapy (SLT) effectiveness. Evidence suggests more research is needed to guide purchasing decisions for optimal population benefit and cost-effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Clinical Effectiveness
- Speech and Language Therapy
Background:
- Needs assessment for local speech and language therapy (SLT) services.
- Purchasing authorities require evidence of SLT effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
- General practice fundholders need data to inform service procurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the published evidence on the effectiveness of speech and language therapy.
- To identify limitations in existing studies.
- To provide evidence-based suggestions for purchasing SLT services.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of published evidence.
- Analysis of study limitations.
- Synthesis of findings to inform purchasing strategies.
Main Results:
- The current evidence base for speech and language therapy effectiveness has limitations.
- Specific studies on SLT interventions and their outcomes were evaluated.
- Suggestions for evidence-based purchasing of SLT services were formulated.
Conclusions:
- More evaluative research is essential for informed purchasing of SLT services.
- Purchasers need data to identify SLT services providing genuine population benefits.
- Evidence-based decision-making is crucial for optimizing SLT service provision.