A survey of music therapists' work with speech-language pathologists and experiences with augmentative and alternative communication.
Although music therapists may work with a variety of professionals in interdisciplinary teams, there is a lack of information about the specific nature of their work with speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Using an Internet-based tool, Board Certified Music Therapists (n = 1834, 1675 deliverable) were surveyed regarding their work with speech-language pathologists and experiences with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Specifically, participants were asked about: (a) demographics; (b) populations worked with professionally; (c) past and present work with speech-language pathologists; (d) goals addressed; (e) benefits and challenges encountered; and (f) work with AAC. Responses (N = 847) indicated the majority of participants (73.6%) had worked with SLPs at some point in various roles and in various settings. Fewer participants reported currently working with SLPs (42.8%), although 50.1% reported currently working with someone requiring some form of AAC. Participants reported a mean level of expertise with AAC of 3.9 on a scale of 1-7. Sharing knowledge was noted as a top benefit of working with SLPs, while scheduling was reported as the most frequent challenge. Other benefits and challenges as well as future research directions are discussed.
McCarthy
John
J
School of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA.
Geist
Kamile
K
Zojwala
Rashida
R
Schock
Molly Z
MZ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology