title: The lived experience of being a speech-language therapist in the Western Cape public health service.
abstract: This study explores the lived experience of being a Speech-Language Therapist (S-L Therapist) in the South African Western Cape public health service. The lived experience of seven S-L Therapists with varied clinical experience was illuminated using a qualitative phenomenological research design. S-L Therapists, working in the three Western Cape tertiary hospitals, provided an in-depth account of their experiences as S-L Therapists. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an adaptation of Colaizzi's (1978) method of analysis. The rigour and trustworthiness of the research process was informed by consideration of issues of credibility, applicability, confirmability and dependability as they relate to phenomenological design. Five main themes emerged from data analysis: expectations of practice and practice realities; being part of the "underdog" profession: role definition and status; being connected; the holistic nature of the S-L Therapist's practice; and erosion or promotion.The implications for training and support of S-L Therapists by managers and policymakers and peers are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Jocelyn A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Warden
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mayers
authors.forename: Harsha
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kathard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000523:psychology; D002322:Career Mobility; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006608:Hierarchy, Social; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008875:Middle Aged; D024382:Professional Role; D015980:Public Health Practice; D013019:South Africa; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology