The future of speech pathology in aged care: students’ confidence and interest in working with older people.

Australia’s demographic future and need for allied health staff equipped to provide services to growing numbers of older people with complex care needs have been documented. Student interest in working with older people has been explored in a number of health care professions, but not in the field of speech pathology. This study investigated speech pathology students’ attitudes toward older people; knowledge and confidence in clinical skills related to communication and swallowing disorders in older people; as well as interest in future employment that specialises in service provision to older people. Seventy-four participants completed an on-line survey and a geriatric attitude scale prior to a clinical placement in an adult service, with 52 completing a post-placement survey. Results indicated that students had positive attitudes about older people and that a clinical placement in an adult service increased their knowledge and confidence in clinical skills. Despite positive attitudes about older people, a preference for working with younger adults emerged. Implications for future training of speech pathologists are discussed and the need identified for research into factors that influence career interest.