The role of speech-language pathology weekend service in inpatient subacute care: A national survey

Purpose: Limited evidence is available on speech-language pathology (SLP) weekend services within the subacute inpatient setting. This study aimed to describe Australian SLP weekend services for stroke adult inpatients in subacute units and to explore clinicians' perspectives on factors that influence the delivery of the service. Method: Speech-language pathologists who worked in Australian subacute hospital-based units participated in an online cross-sectional survey. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were undertaken to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. Result: From the total of 83 participating clinicians, 20 (24%) worked in rehabilitation units that provided an SLP weekend service. Assessments and reviews were the main clinical activities provided to stroke inpatients by this service. Workforce and evidence were commonly cited as facilitators and barriers to both the implementation of a new service and the continuation of an existing service. The "ideal" SLP weekend subacute service to stroke inpatients was typically described as a combination of assessment, therapy, education and training. Conclusion: Findings from this study's sample indicate that an SLP weekend inpatient rehabilitation service to stroke inpatients was not standard practice. Different perspectives regarding the purpose and need of an SLP weekend service were reported.