What Value Can Allied Health Assistants Bring To Speech-Language Pathology Practice?

Abstract

This discussion paper considers the role of allied health assistants (AHAs) in speechlanguage pathology and provides information regarding the training, role and value that they may bring to the profession. As part of a larger research study into speech-language pathologists’ perceptions of working with allied health assistants, a review of the literature was undertaken utilising the search terms assistant, allied health assistant, speech-language pathology/ist, speech therapy/ist. Only a small number of papers were found directly addressing allied health assistants in speech-language pathology, raising concern regarding the profession’s existing knowledge of working with this vocational group. A narrative summary of findings is presented. Greater understanding of the allied health assistant workforce, including training, skills and tasks they can undertake, is required to ensure the speechlanguage pathology profession is prepared to work with allied health assistants, and to utilise them effectively. Working with allied health assistants is a workforce strategy which may assist the profession to provide a broader range of services to those who need it. However, relatively little is known about allied health assistants in Australian speechlanguage pathology, and the value they can bring to speech-language pathology practice. This paper explores current perceptions and barriers to utilising allied health assistants in speech-language pathology, and proposes some possible solutions.

Keywords:

• Allied Health Assistants
• Speech-Language pathology
• Workforce Redesign

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge receipt of scholarship funding from the Centre for Institutional and Organisation Studies (CIOS) at the University of Newcastle. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the participants who volunteered their time and valuable insights for the larger study of which this narrative review is one aspect.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rachael O’Brien

Rachael O’Brien is a speech pathologist and academic in the School of Humanities and Arts at Newcastle University.

Rebecca Mitchell

Rebecca Mitchell is a conjoint professor in the Faculty of Business and Law at Newcastle Business School.

Nicole Byrne

Nicole Byrne is a senior lecturer in speech pathology at the University of Newcastle.