Health Profession Students’ Perceptions of Teamwork and Knowledge of Speech and Language Therapists’ Role in Neurological Rehabilitation

Purpose

This study aimed to assess final-year students in speech and language therapy (SLT), physiotherapy and rehabilitation (PT), and occupational therapy (OT) programs on their perceptions of teamwork in neurological rehabilitation, specifically focusing on the role of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in the team.

Materials and Methods

The study involved 166 final-year undergraduate students in SLT, PT, and OT programs. A questionnaire consisting of demographics, assessing the participants' experiences and opinions of neurological rehabilitation teams, and exploring the specific role of SLTs with neurological patients provided study data.

Results

In this study, the student group that worked the most with neurologically diagnosed patients was found to be PT (%98), followed by SLT (%90.9), and OT (%78.6) students, respectively. The participants were aware of the advantages and disadvantages of teamwork. SLT and OT students emphasized the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary team approach in neurological rehabilitation. Most of the participants indicated utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach. They knew the role of SLTs in treating disorders like aphasia, apraxia of speech, and dysphagia, but their awareness of other practice areas of SLT was limited.

Conclusion

A fundamental aspect of effective teamwork in neurological rehabilitation is understanding the role and contributions of different healthcare professions. It would be beneficial to provide students with further opportunities to gain valuable insights into the significance of teamwork and team members’ roles, particularly during their final year of study.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

• Providing high-quality and effective neurological rehabilitation services to maximize the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities is only possible by working as a team. In all team-based approaches to neurological rehabilitation, a range of health professionals, including physicians, nurses, speech and language therapists (SLTs), physiotherapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), audiologists, psychologists, and dieticians, are required. It is essential that health professionals possess an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other professionals to facilitate effective teamwork.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

• This study evaluated the knowledge of final-year students enrolled in the SLT, PT, and OT programs regarding teamwork in neurological rehabilitation. In particular, the study focused on the role of SLTs within the neurological rehabilitation team in Türkiye, where speech and language therapy (SLT) education has been provided at the undergraduate level for 12 years.

What are the clinical implications of this work?

• The findings of this study provide a robust basis for advancing interprofessional education at the undergraduate level and suggest developing communication, leadership, and collaboration skills in healthcare students through theoretical and practical courses. These skills can significantly increase the impact of teamwork on patients, particularly in Türkiye.