Business management practices employed by speech-language therapists and audiologists in private clinical settings

Abstract

This study examined the business management practices employed by speech-language therapists and audiologists in private clinical settings. A sample of 199 speech-language therapists and audiologists in private practice, selected from the SASLHA database, served as respondents. The respondents were requested to complete and return a questionnaire concerning the use of various business management practices in their clinical settings and their attitudes towards the management of their businesses. Results of this study indicate that the majority of the respondents lacked knowledge and expertise in business management. It was evident that the private practitioners were aware of some of the management concepts, principles and practices included in the questionnaire, however, they failed to use this awareness in the management of their practices. The results consequently indicated a need amongst private practitioners for training and education in business management. The implications of the findings of the study, in terms of training and service delivery in the private sector, were identified along with suggestions for the improvement of private practitioners' business management skills. The data from the study as well as the respondents' opinions regarding future training proved useful in establishing a recommended curriculum for business management training that would be appropriate and relevant to speech-language therapy and audiology private practitioner's specific management needs.