Introduction
In the dynamic field of speech-language pathology, the sustainability of interventions is crucial to ensure long-term benefits for children. The systematic review titled "Evaluation of measures of sustainability and sustainability determinants for use in community, public health, and clinical settings" provides a comprehensive analysis of sustainability measures. This blog explores how practitioners can leverage these insights to enhance their practice and improve outcomes for children receiving online therapy services.
Understanding Sustainability in Practice
Sustainability in healthcare interventions refers to the continued delivery and benefits of evidence-based practices over time. The systematic review identified 28 measures related to sustainability, with varying degrees of psychometric and pragmatic quality. These measures help practitioners assess the sustainability of their interventions, ensuring that they remain effective and beneficial in the long term.
Key Findings from the Review
- The review identified 28 individual measures, with only three assessing sustainability as an outcome.
- Most measures were developed in the USA, limiting cross-cultural validity.
- The Provider Report of Sustainment Scale (PRESS) had the highest psychometric score among measures of sustainability as an outcome.
- The School-wide Universal Behaviour Sustainability Index-School Teams (SUBSIST) scored highest among measures of sustainability determinants.
Implementing Findings in Practice
Practitioners can enhance their skills by integrating these findings into their practice. Here are some actionable steps:
- Choose the Right Measure: Use the PRESS measure for assessing sustainability as an outcome when objective measures are not feasible. For determinants of sustainability, consider the SUBSIST for school-based interventions.
- Focus on Content Validity: Ensure that the chosen measure comprehensively covers the constructs of sustainability relevant to your setting.
- Adapt Measures Appropriately: When adapting measures for specific contexts, ensure that psychometric properties are maintained to avoid compromising the measure's validity.
- Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay informed about new research and updates in sustainability measures to continuously refine your practice.
Encouraging Further Research
While the review provides valuable insights, it also highlights areas where further research is needed. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing field by engaging in research that explores new measures or enhances existing ones. By doing so, they can help bridge gaps in the current understanding of sustainability in speech-language pathology.
Conclusion
The systematic review offers a robust framework for selecting and applying sustainability measures in practice. By leveraging these insights, practitioners can make data-driven decisions that enhance the effectiveness and longevity of their interventions, ultimately leading to better outcomes for children. To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Evaluation of measures of sustainability and sustainability determinants for use in community, public health, and clinical settings: a systematic review.
