Equity of service: a protocol for management of children with speech problems.
In an attempt to achieve equity of service, the level of consistency of speech and language therapists in making decisions about the management of children with phonological delay was examined. Six cases were created and the therapists were interviewed about their management and criteria for therapy for each case. Decisions were made about standardising practice within the team. A phonological care pathway was devised to consider the criteria outlined in the results. This pathway is now being piloted with the expectation that it will facilitate an equitable service for all children with sound system problems.
Owen
R
R
West Wilts and North Wilts Primary Care Groups, Wiltshire and Swindon Health Care NHS Trust, Trowbridge Family Health Centre, The Halve, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8SA.
Lewin
J
J
Lawer
E
E
de la Croix
H
H
Davies
S
S
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006801:Humans; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000592:standards*