Current State of Speech and Language Therapy in Long-Term Care Facilities in South Korea

Abstract

Objectives: To examine and compare the present situations of long-term care facilities regarding the services of speech and language therapy (SLT). Methods: Phone interviews across Korea were conducted with 1,233 hospitals that were established before October 2013 and were still operating as of March 2014. Whether the long-term care facilities were providing SLT services was examined and analyzed according to the region, the size of the facilities, existence of certification from an institution, and the presence of physiatrists. Furthermore, the working conditions of staff providing SLT including speech and language therapists were thoroughly examined. Results: The SLT services were dependent on regional factors. More than half of the facilities did not include SLT as a part of their services. Also, the use of SLT varied according to the size of the facilities. Bigger hospitals tended to have a higher percentage of language therapy implementation. Institutions certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea and the Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation were more likely to provide SLT services. SLT services were provided more often when a physiatrist was present. Workers providing SLT differed depending on the region. Speech and language therapists were more likely to work full-time rather than part-time. Conclusion: This study shows the present state and availability of SLT at long-term care facilities, emphasizing the necessity of the service, and providing the basis for future studies.