Student Placements in Speech Language Pathology Private Practice

Abstract

Student placements have become increasingly difficult to obtain yet private practice continues to be under-utilised for placements. Using case study methodology across five private practices, this study aimed to explore the impact of student placements in SLP private practice from multiple perspectives. Private practitioner perspective was explored to investigate the benefits and challenges in facilitating student placements, the strategies used to manage challenges, and the impact of placements on client services and practice income. Content analysis identified: the benefits to clients, practitioners, practices and students and, more broadly, to the profession; challenges as perceived by private practitioners; and strategies that were used to successfully facilitate placements. Client satisfaction in receiving student-delivered services in SLP private practice was captured. Clients completed surveys that explored their levels of satisfaction with receiving student-delivered services and the aspects of the services with which they were satisfied or dissatisfied. Thematic analysis of data from open-ended questions revealed themes and subthemes that contribute to our understanding of the aspects of student-delivered services with which clients were satisfied. Student satisfaction with having a placement in SLP private practice was also explored. Students completed surveys indicating their level of satisfaction, the aspects of the placement with which they were satisfied or dissatisfied, and their perception of the placement’s effectiveness. The findings from the three perspectives explored in this research indicate that student placements are possible in SLP private practice, and that they have a positive impact from the perspectives of clients, students and private practitioners. Further research is required to capture the specific aspects and frameworks of the successful models used in private practice.