Factors influencing person-centred care: Speech-language pathologists and audiologists perspective

Abstract

Background: Person-centred care (PCC) is a fundamental aspect of healthcare, and its implementation is primarily based on clinicians’ initiation and sustained efforts and the availability of resources. Recent PCC literature has primarily focused on high-income settings, raising concerns about the feasibility of PCC implementation in low- and middle-income countries.

Objectives: This study examined speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) and audiologists’ (AUDs) perceptions of barriers and facilitators towards implementing PCC in the diverse South African context, particularly how their demographic factors influence these perceptions.

Method: A national cross-sectional e-survey pooled 103 clinicians who were providing speech-language pathology and audiological services in South Africa. The e-survey included questions on participants’ demographics, working environment and a seven-point Likert scale rating 10 components that influence PCC.

Results: Clinicians scored personal factors (64.7%), followed by their relationships with different professionals (54.9%) as the most facilitating factors for achieving PCC. The most significant perceived barrier was resources, including time and finances (59.8%), followed by the client perspectives (53.9%). Significant associations were found between the components influencing PCC and clinicians’ qualifications, work sectors and populations served.

Conclusion: The collective findings of this study highlighted the multifaceted nature of PCC implementation within a diverse healthcare context. Client perspectives need to be considered while leveraging clinician attributes and fostering supportive workplace environments for the successful adoption of PCC.

Contribution: This study contributes to literature of PCC implementation and has captured how the perceptions of speech-language therapists (SLPs) and AUDs call for tailored approaches in diverse healthcare contexts.