A new era in speech-language pathology practice: Innovation and diversification*

Abstract

A new era in speech-language pathology practice is pending, and one that impels us to innovate and diversify as we move forward into the 21^st century. The impetus for this transformation will include the increasing cost and demand for healthcare services as the population ages, changes in Australian society, rapid developments in technology, and major advances in neuroscience. New models of service delivery will need to be considered in line with evidence-based treatment protocols, the concept of a continuum of care for chronic disorders, and the need to engage clients in self-management. Innovations in technology will provide the means by which these new models of service delivery might be achieved. The exponential increase in electronic therapy resources and devices will transform the therapeutic process and provide clinicians with engaging and flexible therapy options. Clinicians will be challenged by this paradigm shift in service delivery, and their long-held perceptions of their clients’ capacity to respond to these changes. Other challenges will include the preparation of future speech-language pathologists, reimbursement for services, availability of appropriate technology, and widespread connectivity. The future of the profession is an exciting one as we move forward into an era of unprecedented change.

Keywords::

• Speech-language pathology
• practice
• intervention
• telerehabilitation
• technology

Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges the Speech Pathology Australia 2011 Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture Award, and the exceptional expertise of Dr Trevor Russell and all researchers within the Telerehabilitation Research Unit in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Queensland. Project Grant support (301029, 401604, 631514, 1002472) provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council is also acknowledged.

This was the invited Elizabeth Usher Memorial address to the Speech Pathology Australia National Conference, Darwin, Australia, June 2011.

Declaration of interest: The author report no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.