Exploring Final Year Speech and Language Therapy Students’ and Newly Qualified SLTs’ Dementia Knowledge, Attitudes, and Training Needs

My name is Hannah Curry, and I am a 4th year Clinical Speech and Language Studies student at Trinity College Dublin. I am currently preparing for my Final Year Project, titled “Exploring Final Year Speech and Language Therapy Students’ and Newly Qualified SLTs’ Dementia Knowledge, Attitudes, and Training Needs.” My supervisor is Dr. Amy Connery, Assistant Professor in Speech and Language Pathology (connerya@tcd.ie) 

I am conducting this study to help understand whether the level of dementia training provided to Speech and Language Therapy Students in Ireland is sufficient to meet the demands of clinical practice.  To circulate my survey among final-year SLT students, I have been in contact with the Practice Education Coordinators of SLT departments in universities across Ireland.

However, I am particularly keen to reach more newly qualified SLTs, and I would be very grateful if you could share the survey link — https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/P26HZMS

Introduction

We would like to invite you to take part in a research study that is being carried out by Hannah Curry, under the supervision of Dr. Amy Connery, Assistant Professor in Speech Language Pathology at Trinity College Dublin. Please take the time to read this information leaflet carefully before you decide whether or not you wish to take part. If you would like more information, or if any of the information provided is unclear, please do not hesitate to contact the researchers.

Why is this study being done?

We are doing this study to explore the dementia knowledge, attitudes and training needs of final year Speech and Language Therapy students (SLTs) and newly qualified SLTs. The core aims are:
1. To assess whether the current SLT university curriculum in Ireland provides sufficient dementia-specific training to meet the demands of clinical practice.
2. To examine and compare dementia knowledge and attitudes of final-year SLT students and newly qualified SLTs, investigating whether recent academic learning or early clinical experience leads to a greater understanding of best practice in dementia care.
It is important to note that this study aims to improve dementia-related training for SLTs, rather than evaluate individual knowledge and skills.

Why have I been invited to take part in this study?

This study is designed for final year student SLTs in Ireland or SLTs who have qualified in Ireland within the last 2 years. Please do not take this survey if you do not match this description.