Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

The gap between geriatric speech-language pathology curricula and clinical practice: A Canadian perspective

 
Author(s) Audrey E. Brown
J.B. Orange
Volume 30
Number 3
Year 2006
Page(s) 169-181
Language English
Category
Keywords curriculum
geriatric
education
clinical
speech-language
pathology
Canada
Abstract Speech-language pathologists (S-LPs) in Canada are faced with increasing demands for their expertise in age-related communication disorders. There are no published Canadian data describing the academic and clinical education of S-LPs and the current clinical practice patterns of geriatric-oriented S-LPs. National surveys were conducted to document the academic and clinical education needs and clinical practices of S-LPs including (a) Canadian graduate programmes in speech-language pathology (S-LP), and (b) clinicians’ practices involving older adults. Findings revealed that Canadian universities vary in the scope and type of instruction provided in topic areas such as normal aging and communication disorders of aging. Clinicians are critical of their education and training, and report dissatisfaction with their current knowledge of topics related to geriatric speech-language pathology (S-LP). A dialogue between academics and clinicians is recommended to enhance graduate curricula to meet immediate and emerging needs in geriatric S-LP.


Les orthophonistes au Canada doivent répondre à une demande croissante dans le secteur des troubles de la communication liés au vieillissement. Il n’existe aucunes données canadiennes publiées sur la formation universitaire et clinique des orthophonistes et sur les tendances actuelles de l’exercice clinique en gériatrie. Des enquêtes nationales ont été menées pour évaluer les besoins de formation universitaire et clinique ainsi que les pratiques cliniques des orthophonistes, y compris ceux : (a) des programmes d’études supérieures canadiens en orthophonie; (b) des cliniciens œuvrant auprès d’adultes âgés. Les résultats montrent que l’étendue et le genre de formation offerte par les universités canadiennes varient dans le domaine du vieillissement et des troubles de la communication liés au vieillissement. Les cliniciens se font critiques envers leur éducation et leur formation, et jugent que leurs onnaissances en gériatrie sont insuffisantes. Il faut un dialogue entre les universitaires et les cliniciens pour améliorer les programmes d’études supérieures afin de répondre aux besoins immédiats et futurs de la clientèle desservie par les orthophonistes.
Record ID 930
Link https://cjslpa.ca/files/2006_JSLPA_Vol_30/No_03_153-208/Brown_Orange_JSLPA_2006.pdf
 

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