Supervisors' Perceptions Of Student Placements In Speech-Language Pathology Private Practice: Benefits, Challenges And Strategies

The private practice workforce in speech-language pathology (SLP) has grown considerably in recent years, but growth in student placements in this setting has not seen commensurate growth. This study investigated benefits and challenges reported by SLP private practitioners in facilitating student placements, strategies they used to manage challenges encountered, and their perceptions of impacts of placements on client services and practice income. A qualitative case study approach was used involving semi-structured interviews with five participants who had recently supervised student placements in their private practice. Transcripts were analysed using a deductive content analysis approach to coding. Codes were collapsed into sub-categories then categories pertaining to benefits, challenges and strategies used. Benefits to clients, private practitioners, their practice, the students and the profession broadly were identified. Challenges included finding time for supervision and managing under-performing students. Income was not affected by the placements. SLPs used a range of strategies to successfully manage the challenges. Four of the five participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the placements. Participants felt that placements were beneficial to all involved with prior planning and strategies to manage any challenges and most plan to continue offering student placements.