Implementation of an extended scope of practice speech-language pathology allied health practitioner service: an evaluation of service impacts and outcomes.

PURPOSE: Extended scope of practice roles can address health service challenges and enhance patient services; however there has been limited research of extended scope roles in the discipline of speech-language pathology (SLP). The aim of this study was to examine the clinical outcomes and service impacts of a Speech-Language Pathology Allied Health Practitioner (SLP AHP) led dysphagia and dysphonia service within an Integrated Specialist Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Service.

METHOD: Low risk referrals were triaged by ENT from the waiting list into the SLP AHP dysphagia and dysphonia clinic. Outcomes from an initial 6-month pilot phase (n = 43) and 6-month implementation phase (n = 158) were evaluated.

RESULT: Approximately 70% of patients managed in the SLP AHP clinic in both phases were discharged without requiring separate ENT appointments. There were no adverse events. In the pilot phase, only 4.3% of medium priority and 10% of low priority referrals were seen within clinically recommended time frames. This improved to 90% in the final three months of the implementation phase.

CONCLUSION: With appropriate governance and risk management, an extended scope SLP AHP service for low risk dysphagia and dysphonia can achieve safe, effective and beneficial changes to ENT service delivery.