Research practices of the Speech-Language Pathologist in Portugal:

Needs, barriers and facilitators

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23925/2176-2724.2021v33i3p375-387

Keywords:

Research, Speech, language and hearing sciences, Speech-language pathology, Evidence-based practice

Abstract

Introduction: Speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) research needs and interests have been increasing over the years. Objectives: (i) characterize the SLPs’ current research autonomy level in Portugal; (ii) characterize the SLPs’ desired research autonomy level in Portugal; (iii) characterize the SLP’s training needs as well as identify barriers and facilitators of the research practice in Portugal. Methods: 86 SLPs completed a questionnaire validated by a panel of experts. The data collection focused on: (i) current and desired research practice autonomy level; (ii) barriers and facilitators inherent to the research practice. Results: The current research autonomy levels were significantly lower than the desired levels (p<0.001). The current autonomy level of conceptualizing a research idea was significantly lower when compared to several tasks, such as defining methodology (p<0.05), data analysis (p<0.001), data processing (p<0.001) and results synthesis (p<0.001). There was no difference in autonomy between a conference communication task and research idea conceptualization task (p>0.05). Most of SLPs reported the need for additional training in order to integrate research into their clinical practice. The main barrier to conducting research was the lack of time (64.5%). The main facilitator suggested was increasing the available time (27.7%). Conclusion: SLPs have the desire to have greater autonomy in the research process. The identification of barriers and facilitators may allow a more adequate response to the research competences and needs of SLPs.

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Author Biographies

Ana P. Mendes, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal

- Ph.D in Speech Science.

- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Portugal/Professora adjunta;

- Sociedade Portuguesa de Terapia da Fala/Presidente da Comissão de Inovação e Desenvolvimento.

Miriam Moreira, Club Clínica das Conchas

- Licenciada em Terapia da Fala. 

- Club Clínica das Conchas, Lisboa, Portugal/Terapeuta da Fala; - Clínica Amamentos, Lisboa, Portugal/Terapeuta da Fala; - Sociedade Portuguesa de Terapia da Fala/Vogal da Comissão de Inovação e Desenvolvimento.

David Guerreiro, PROComSom

- PROComSom ® - Serviços Especializados em Terapia da Fala, Seixal, Portugal/Terapeuta da Fala;

- Sociedade Portuguesa de Terapia da Fala/Vice-presidente da Comissão de Inovação e Desenvolvimento.

David Nascimento, Hospital Egas Moniz. Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental

- Mestre em Terapia da Fala na área da Motricidade Orofacial e da Deglutição; EBD-Ph.D.

- Hospital Egas Moniz - Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal;

- Sociedade Portuguesa de Terapia da Fala/Vogal da Comissão de Inovação e Desenvolvimento.

Inês Tello Rodrigues, Center for Innovative Care and Health

- Ph.D.

- Center for Innovative Care and Health (CiTechCare)

– IPL, Leiria, Portugal/ Professora Adjunta;

- Escola Superior de Saúde do Alcoitão, Portugal/Professora Adjunta Convidada;-

Sociedade Portuguesa de Terapia da Fala/Membro.

Vânia de Aguiar, Center for Language and Cognition Groningen

- Ph.D.

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Published

2021-09-28

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Artigos