The model of access to speech-language pathology services

Figures & data

Figure 1. The Model of Access to Speech-Language Pathology Services (MASPS).

Table 1. Definitions of the core categories of the Model of Access to Speech-Language Pathology Services (MASPS).

Category	Definition
Resources	The direct and indirect use of finances (including rebates, subsidies, and funding), transport options, and time within the family to support access to services. Greater availability of resources was associated with improved service access.
Logistics	The impact of family structure and organisational structure on service access.
Navigation	Navigation is a subproperty that connects the categories of Resources and Logistics. Navigation is the way in which service access decisions are made based on the logistics limitations of service access, and the resources available to address these.
Awareness	A caregiver’s awareness of their child’s communication development and needs, ongoing progress within speech-language pathology services, and the impact of these services on their child’s wellbeing. This category also includes the way in which speech-language pathologists support the development of this awareness within their community/ies.
Relational Community	Relational Community is a subcategory of Awareness and Resources. Relational Community includes the extended family, community, and professional networks of a family. The way in which a family is able to gain support via resources or awareness in order to access services. Mediators are members of the relational community who are potential supporters or gatekeepers of access to speech-language pathology services.
Experiences of Healthcare	They way in which a consumer’s previous experiences of healthcare informs their understanding of speech-language pathology services. This includes perception of speech-language pathology as a profession.
Relationships	The relationship that is held between the caregiver, client, and clinician, as well as between the family as a unit and the organisation.
Beliefs	The beliefs that caregivers and clinicians hold around the roles of themselves, one another, and of clients. The beliefs that caregivers and clinicians hold around disability and the potential outcomes of speech-language pathology services.
Contextual factors	These factors have broad impact on the experience of accessing services. Stigma of caregivers being seen to not be doing enough to support their child. The gendered nature of caregiving in WA. Access to funding for both indirect and direct financial costs.

Table

Open ended questions	Targeted probes
Tell me about going to see a SP	How identified SLCN? Who? What was your reaction? Did you know about SP? Was there anyone who supported you? How so?
What stood in your way?	As compared to other caregivers?
What made it easier?	As compared to other caregivers?
Finished intervention?	Yes   i. How did this happen?   ii. Why?   iii. Reaction to ending?   iv. Goals? No – Considered end?
Recommendations for the profession?	How would you support other caregivers? What can SP do?
Anything else to discuss? Any questions for me?

Table

Open ended questions	Targeted probes
Tell me about how parents come to see you. Start with when you become aware that they be added to your caseload.	Referral intake style meeting or similar? Patterns in referrals? Particular people? Parents? Parent awareness of SP? Parent awareness of goals/referral?
What makes it harder for the families?	As compared to parents at other services? Your service addressing this?
What makes it easier for the families?	As compared to parents at other services?
What makes maintenance difficult?	As compared to parents at other services? Your service addressing this?
What makes maintenance easier?	As compared to parents at other services?
How does therapy end? Do you discuss end of therapy?	For what reasons does intervention end? Is it goal directed?
Recommendations for the profession?	What’s happening now? Parents suggested changes? Changes for profession/government?
Anything else to discuss? Any questions for me?