Population Health Content Within Speech-Language Pathology Programs: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this survey was to determine current and desired coverage of population health concepts within speech-language pathology programs. Method Thirty-five of 253 (13.8%) Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology program directors responded to an online survey. Results Respondents agreed that 21 of 23 population health domains should be included in the curriculum, with six of the domains having at least moderate coverage within current programs. The largest gaps between current and desired coverage were in global health issues, health policy process, organization of clinical and public health systems, and health promotion interventions. Conclusion Speech-language pathology faculty can use the results to inform their decisions about incorporating population health concepts into their programs. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14044058