Speech-language pathology Student Participation in Verbal Reflective Practice Groups: perceptions of development, value and group condition differences.

The aim of this study was to determine whether significant differences in perceptions of reflective practice were present across two groups of students engaged in standard practice and experimental group conditions. Twenty-seven undergraduate speech-language pathology students participated in the study. A two-condition, non-randomised, pre-test post-test design was employed with two groups (a standard practice condition and an experimental practice condition, utilizing structured activities and prompts). Participants took part in weekly reflective practice groups over a six week period, in which discussion centered on students’ clinical experiences. Pre and post intervention, the students completed a questionnaire designed to examine perceptions of reflective practice in the differing conditions. Overall, students’ perceptions of reflective practice as a learning tool were positive. In contrast to our hypotheses, students’ perceptions of reflective practice did not change significantly over time. Furthermore, there was no differences in perceptions in the experimental practice (i.e., structured activities and prompts) group as compared to the standard practice group. Students perceive verbal reflective practice as a positive learning experience regardless of the discussion format utilized. Implications for clinical teaching are discussed

"We just thought that this was Christmas": perceived benefits of participating in aphasia, stroke, and other groups

Background: Research on the benefits of group participation for adults with aphasia poststroke has tended to focus on interventions led by speech-language therapists (SLTs). Over the course of their lives after a stroke, however, individuals with aphasia may participate in a variety of types of groups including peer-facilitated aphasia, volunteer-facilitated aphasia, stroke, and general groups.Aims: The study explored the benefits for adults with aphasia of all the groups they had chosen to participate in poststroke, as perceived by the individuals with aphasia and their family members (FMs).Methods & Procedures: A qualitative descriptive approach was used to address the research aim. The first author conducted semistructured interviews with 10 adults with aphasia and six of their FMs. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify codes and categories of perceived benefits.Outcomes & Results: Analysis revealed 25 perceived benefits of participating in groups for adults with aphasia that fell into five categories: psychosocial, communication, participation, information, and other. These benefits varied depending on whether the group was an SLT-facilitated aphasia, peer-facilitated aphasia, volunteer-facilitated aphasia, stroke, or general group.Conclusions: The investigation reinforces the importance of ensuring that a broad range of well-facilitated group options are available for adults with aphasia to participate in, if they wish, over the course of their lives poststroke

Clinical Supervision in Singapore: Allied Health Professional Perspectives from a two-round Delphi Study

Purpose: This study investigated Allied Health Practitioners’ (AHPs) perspectives on and consensus of clinical supervision in an acute tertiary hospital in Singapore. Specifically, AHPs’ views on the benefits of and barriers surrounding engaging in clinical supervision, as well as strategies for enhancing clinical supervision experience. Method: A Delphi approach utilizing a two-round process via online questionnaires was employed. A total of 77 AHPs responded to the first round of the Delphi questionnaire and 55 AHPs completed the second round (71% retention rate). Open-ended responses from the first round underwent thematic analysis and resulted in sixty statements (five themes) describing engagement in clinical supervision. In the second round, AHPs were asked to rate each characteristic of clinical supervision on a 5 point Likert Scale. Results: Consensus was reached on 52 statements using a cut off of greater than 68% positive respondents and an interquartile deviation (IQD) ≤1. The study identified 52 statements considered important for successful clinical supervision for AHP in an acute tertiary hospital in Singapore. Conclusions: The themes and underpinning statements provide insights about clinical supervision in the Singapore hospital setting