Organization of the referral and counter-referral system in a speech-language pathology and audiology clinic-school

Abstract

The data show the effectiveness and appropriateness of referrals made internally, suggesting that, when the team works together, the network operates more adequately. However, in relation to external referrals, they did not reach the proposed goals, indicating a lack of speech-language pathologists in public services and the low interest of patients in looking for other places of care.

Prevalência de alterações fonoaudiológicas na infância na região oeste de São Paulo

“…In a previous study, the authors of the present research analyzed 503 medical records of patients of the FMUSP speech-language therapy clinic and found a predominance of male individuals with up to 5 years of age (8) . Thus, a more in-depth study of this child population is required.…”

Awareness of audiology and speech-language pathology services among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia

“…According to the General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia, 1.4% and 1.1% of the total Saudi population suffer from mild, severe or extreme hearing and communication difficulties, respectively (General Authority for Statistics, 2017 ). Audiology and SLP services have been mainly accessed through referrals from other healthcare professionals, such as paediatricians, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists and general practitioners or via direct access for non-acute conditions (British Academy of Audiology, 2021 ; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2022 ; Molini-Avejonas et al, 2015 ). By referring patients directly to the appropriate healthcare provider, errors in diagnosis and treatment can be eliminated, and collaboration and coordination among healthcare professionals are enhanced (Blank et al, 2003 ; McNair, 2005 ).…”