Patient partnership in speech and language therapy in France: Current practices and future perspectives

Abstract

Current healthcare practices trend towards increased patient engagement. Paternalistic approaches are progressively being replaced by patient-centered practices, and are more recently trending towards the patient partnership approach. The patient partnership approach is characterized by a symmetrical collaboration between the patient, his/her family and healthcare professionals, co-constructing care around the patient’s life project, recognizing the interdependency of scientific and experiential knowledge. This approach targets patient’s health condition, quality of life and self-determination. The literature is scarce in studying in the realm of speech and language therapy. However, this seems to be a promising approach in rehabilitation. Our study conducted an inventory of the utilization of the patient partnership approach in speech and language pathology in France. It points out how Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) perceive its’ limitations, benefits and future potentials. In order to conduct our research, we developed a self-administered computerized survey designated for French SLTs. We collected 1000 responses, covering SLTs’ ranges of activities. Merely 5.3% of SLTs accurately defined the patient partnership approach. In practice, 79% of SLTs adopt a patient-centered approach and therefore maintain the role of decision makers, although they sometimes/often consider practicing several aspects of patient partnership. Results further highlight the domains, types of practice and patient profiles in which they integrate patient partnership. Finally, 98% of SLTs find this approach enriching, whether or not they already use it. However, many report feeling they lack the means and training which would enable them to integrate patient partnership into their practice.