Optimising existing speech-language therapy resources in an underserved community: A study of the Maldives.
Asset based
Children
Majority world countries
Population based approaches
Speech-language therapy
Underserved communities
Journal
Journal of communication disorders
ISSN: 1873-7994
Titre abrégé: J Commun Disord
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 0260316
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Historique:
received:
20
10
2020
revised:
23
05
2021
accepted:
31
05
2021
pubmed:
30
7
2021
medline:
25
2
2023
entrez:
29
7
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
People living in Majority world countries face complex challenges regarding speech-language therapy services. As traditional individualised service delivery approaches may not suit the needs of the population, customised solutions are needed. This study explored speech-language therapy and related resources available in the Maldives, a Majority world country, as seen by local government representatives and service providers. The goal was to identify service delivery approaches for children with communication difficulties that could yield the most out of existing resources. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six service providers (three speech-language therapists (SLTs), three representatives from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) related to disabilities) and six local government representatives (atoll councillors) of the Maldives. Interview questions related to services available for children with communication difficulties. The data were analysed via deductive content analysis. SLTs predominantly delivered traditional individualised and rehabilitative therapy. Services were unevenly distributed across the Maldives with some atolls receiving no services. Support was available from community groups and atoll councillors in some atolls, for instance to access aids provided by the government. Some NGOs were trialling alternative service delivery approaches by conducting programs for parents and teachers in atolls. Participants suggested several possible measures including increasing awareness of speech-language therapy and communication difficulties amongst communities, engaging active community groups to support interventions and allowing less qualified professionals to provide services. The costs related to access and provide services were noted as a challenge. While this study discovered limitations, the existing resources that were identified can be better directed to reach more children who require services in the Maldives. The following potential alternative service delivery approaches were derived from the results: focusing on prevention, using public health approaches to train families and teachers, creating awareness, building capacity within the community, and adopting cost-effective approaches to provide services.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
People living in Majority world countries face complex challenges regarding speech-language therapy services. As traditional individualised service delivery approaches may not suit the needs of the population, customised solutions are needed.
AIM
This study explored speech-language therapy and related resources available in the Maldives, a Majority world country, as seen by local government representatives and service providers. The goal was to identify service delivery approaches for children with communication difficulties that could yield the most out of existing resources.
METHOD
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six service providers (three speech-language therapists (SLTs), three representatives from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) related to disabilities) and six local government representatives (atoll councillors) of the Maldives. Interview questions related to services available for children with communication difficulties. The data were analysed via deductive content analysis.
RESULTS
SLTs predominantly delivered traditional individualised and rehabilitative therapy. Services were unevenly distributed across the Maldives with some atolls receiving no services. Support was available from community groups and atoll councillors in some atolls, for instance to access aids provided by the government. Some NGOs were trialling alternative service delivery approaches by conducting programs for parents and teachers in atolls. Participants suggested several possible measures including increasing awareness of speech-language therapy and communication difficulties amongst communities, engaging active community groups to support interventions and allowing less qualified professionals to provide services. The costs related to access and provide services were noted as a challenge.
CONCLUSION
While this study discovered limitations, the existing resources that were identified can be better directed to reach more children who require services in the Maldives. The following potential alternative service delivery approaches were derived from the results: focusing on prevention, using public health approaches to train families and teachers, creating awareness, building capacity within the community, and adopting cost-effective approaches to provide services.
Identifiants
pubmed: 34325224
pii: S0021-9924(21)00059-9
doi: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2021.106136
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
106136Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.