Subject(s)
Language Therapy/ethics , Language Therapy/methods , Patient-Centered Care , Professional-Patient Relations/ethics , Speech-Language Pathology , Communication , Humans , Language Disorders/therapy , Patient-Centered Care/ethics , Patient-Centered Care/methods , Speech-Language Pathology/ethics , Speech-Language Pathology/methods , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Storytelling can be a powerful way to reflect on the ethical issues that emerge in clinical practice. This article uses two stories by speech-language pathologists to explore how notions of person-centered practice may influence speech-language pathology practice. Then these stories are examined in relation to definitions of person-centered practice and speech pathology code of ethics to discuss the ethical issues, challenges, and risks that these stories raise. Moving toward more person-centered ways of practicing will require speech-language pathologists to be open to the real lives of their clients with communication and swallowing disabilities. It may also require speech-language pathologists to be open to their own vulnerabilities as well.
Subject(s)
Language Therapy , Patient-Centered Care , Speech-Language Pathology , Communication Disorders/therapy , Deglutition Disorders/therapy , Female , Humans , Language Therapy/ethics , Language Therapy/methods , Middle Aged , Patient-Centered Care/ethics , Patient-Centered Care/methods , Professional-Patient Relations , Risk , Speech-Language Pathology/ethics , Speech-Language Pathology/methodsABSTRACT
Speech-Language Therapy and Audiology graduates have worked in community service for 6 years. An evaluation of the impact of this strategy is now seen as important. In this discussion paper we report on the content and process of feedback sessions with 132 graduates from the University of the Witwatersrand during their community service placements from 2003-2008. Experiences and perceptions of these graduates are discussed in relation to a model as well as in relation to additional research conducted with our profession and other community service professions. Themes discussed include professional and technical issues, systemic and managerial issues, interpersonal issues and ethical issues. Perceptions on the adequacy of training are also described. The overall goals of community service are considered as well as indices for measuring success. Implications are considered for training institutions, for the Department of Health and for the profession.
