Uncovering motivators and stumbling blocks: Exploring the clinical research experiences of speech-language pathologists

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Accepted Manuscript (AM)
Author(s)
Finch, Emma
Cornwell, Petrea
Nalder, Emily
Ward, Elizabeth
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2015
Metadata
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Purpose: Healthcare providers increasingly expect that allied health staff will not only translate research evidence into their clinical practice, but also generate research. Little is known about how well prepared clinicians are to meet these expectations. Research suggests that allied health professionals, including speech-language pathologists, have moderate levels of interest in research, but only little-to-moderate experience participating in research activities. The present study aimed to explore the experiences and attitudes of speech-language pathologists in regards to undertaking research in their clinical ...
View more >Purpose: Healthcare providers increasingly expect that allied health staff will not only translate research evidence into their clinical practice, but also generate research. Little is known about how well prepared clinicians are to meet these expectations. Research suggests that allied health professionals, including speech-language pathologists, have moderate levels of interest in research, but only little-to-moderate experience participating in research activities. The present study aimed to explore the experiences and attitudes of speech-language pathologists in regards to undertaking research in their clinical settings. Method: Focus groups were conducted with 21 practising speech-language pathologists (13 research engaged, eight not research engaged). The focus groups were transcribed and the data analysed qualitatively using content analysis. Result: Two overarching themes mediated research engagement. Engagement in research was shaped by whether participants overcame any “fear” of research and the unique characteristics of their clinical context. Contextualizing and further shaping participants’ experiences of these themes were personal factors, such as initiative and proactivity. Conclusion: The success of increasing the research engagement of the speech-language pathology workforce may be contingent on providing clinicians with more exposure to research opportunities and mentors as well as ensuring organizational structures are in place to encourage, support and facilitate research.
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View more >Purpose: Healthcare providers increasingly expect that allied health staff will not only translate research evidence into their clinical practice, but also generate research. Little is known about how well prepared clinicians are to meet these expectations. Research suggests that allied health professionals, including speech-language pathologists, have moderate levels of interest in research, but only little-to-moderate experience participating in research activities. The present study aimed to explore the experiences and attitudes of speech-language pathologists in regards to undertaking research in their clinical settings. Method: Focus groups were conducted with 21 practising speech-language pathologists (13 research engaged, eight not research engaged). The focus groups were transcribed and the data analysed qualitatively using content analysis. Result: Two overarching themes mediated research engagement. Engagement in research was shaped by whether participants overcame any “fear” of research and the unique characteristics of their clinical context. Contextualizing and further shaping participants’ experiences of these themes were personal factors, such as initiative and proactivity. Conclusion: The success of increasing the research engagement of the speech-language pathology workforce may be contingent on providing clinicians with more exposure to research opportunities and mentors as well as ensuring organizational structures are in place to encourage, support and facilitate research.
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Journal Title
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
Volume
17
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
© 2015 Taylor & Francis. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology on 05 Mar 2015, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.3109/17549507.2014.930175
Subject
Clinical sciences
Clinical sciences not elsewhere classified
Cognitive and computational psychology
Linguistics