Impact of the initial COVID-19 response in the UK on speech and language therapy services: a nationwide survey of practice
File(s)
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Purpose: Globally ‘non-urgent’ health care services were ceased in response to the 2020 outbreak of COVID-19, until 2021 where restrictions were lifted. In the UK, this included speech and language therapy services. The implications of COVID-19 restrictions have not been explored. This study aimed to examine the impact of the UK’s COVID-19 response on speech and language therapy services.
Methodology: An online survey of practice of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in the UK was undertaken. This explored SLTs’ perceptions of the demand on their services at a time where COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted, compared with before the onset of the pandemic. Analysis was completed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.
Findings: Respondents were mostly employed by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) or the private sector. Many participants reported that demands on their service had
increased compared with before the onset of the pandemic. Needing to address the backlog of cases arising from shutdowns was the main reason for this. Contributing factors included staffing issues and redeployment. Service users were consequently waiting longer for NHS therapy. Private therapy providers reported increased demand, which they directly attributed to these NHS challenges.
Originality: This presents the only focused account of the impact of COVID-19 on speech and language therapy services in the UK. It has identified that services continue to face significant challenges and indicates a two-tier system is emerging. Healthcare system leaders must work with service managers and clinicians to create solutions and prevent the system from being overwhelmed.
Methodology: An online survey of practice of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in the UK was undertaken. This explored SLTs’ perceptions of the demand on their services at a time where COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted, compared with before the onset of the pandemic. Analysis was completed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.
Findings: Respondents were mostly employed by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) or the private sector. Many participants reported that demands on their service had
increased compared with before the onset of the pandemic. Needing to address the backlog of cases arising from shutdowns was the main reason for this. Contributing factors included staffing issues and redeployment. Service users were consequently waiting longer for NHS therapy. Private therapy providers reported increased demand, which they directly attributed to these NHS challenges.
Originality: This presents the only focused account of the impact of COVID-19 on speech and language therapy services in the UK. It has identified that services continue to face significant challenges and indicates a two-tier system is emerging. Healthcare system leaders must work with service managers and clinicians to create solutions and prevent the system from being overwhelmed.
Date Issued
2024-04-18
Date Acceptance
2024-01-26
Citation
Journal of Health, Organization and Management, 2024, 38 (2), pp.264-285
ISSN
0268-9235
Publisher
Emerald
Start Page
264
End Page
285
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Health, Organization and Management
Volume
38
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited
This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Identifier
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JHOM-11-2022-0337/full/html
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2024-03-26