Breadth and depth of diversity in Minnesota: challenges to clinical competency.
This study explored the impact of recent demographic changes on clinical service delivery in the state of Minnesota. A Web-based survey was used to ask speech-language pathologists in Minnesota about their training, clinical caseloads, and professional experiences with respect to diversity. Primary survey goals were to (a) determine if, and how, recent changes in the overall state demographics were reflected on caseloads of speech-language pathologists, and (b) identify challenges clinicians faced in meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse population. The authors considered the breadth or range of economically, racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse populations represented on caseloads, relative to depth of diversity. Survey results are discussed with respect to challenges inherent in providing services to a diverse caseload, together with the competencies needed in order to meet these professional challenges.
Kohnert
Kathryn
K
115 Shevlin Hall, 164 Pillsbury Dr., SE, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. kohne005@umn.edu
Kennedy
Mary R T
MR
Glaze
Leslie
L
Kan
Pui Fong
PF
Carney
Edward
E
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D006801:Humans; D008910:Minnesota; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013070:Speech Therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload