The future of speech pathology in aged care: students’ confidence and interest in working with older people.
2015
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.
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