Implementing Accountability Mechanisms for Sustainable Development Goals in Speech-Language Pathology
The Framework Convention on Global Health (FCGH) is a proposed global treaty that aims to establish a comprehensive regime of compliance and accountability to the right to health, significantly strengthening accountability for the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This treaty, as discussed in the research article "An Independent Review and Accountability Mechanism for the Sustainable Development Goals" by Eric A. Friedman, outlines mechanisms that could be instrumental for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in improving their practice and outcomes for children.
Why Accountability Matters in Speech-Language Pathology
Accountability mechanisms ensure that promises made in health-related SDGs translate into real-world outcomes. For SLPs, this means providing data-driven, evidence-based services that can be measured and improved upon. Accountability can help bridge the gap between theoretical best practices and actual service delivery, ensuring that no child is left behind.
Key Accountability Mechanisms from the FCGH
SLPs can adopt several accountability mechanisms outlined in the FCGH to enhance their practice:
- Transparency and Access to Information: Make health laws, policies, and budgets accessible to the public. This includes transparency in service delivery and the outcomes of speech therapy sessions.
- Local and National Health Accountability: Establish local health committees and participatory policymaking mechanisms. This can involve community scorecards to rate local speech therapy services and develop actions to improve them.
- Judicial Remedies: Advocate for judicial remedies for violations of the right to health. This can ensure that speech therapy services are accessible and equitable for all children.
- Capacity Building: Develop a “Right to Health Capacity Fund” to support accountability measures, including public education and civil society advocacy. This fund can help train SLPs in evidence-based practices and ensure they have the resources needed to implement them.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Implement regular monitoring and reporting processes to assess progress. This can include the use of indicators and benchmarks to measure the effectiveness of speech therapy interventions.
How SLPs Can Implement These Mechanisms
To integrate these accountability mechanisms into their practice, SLPs can:
- Develop Transparency Protocols: Create clear and accessible documentation of therapy plans, goals, and outcomes for parents and stakeholders.
- Engage in Participatory Policymaking: Involve parents, teachers, and community members in the development and evaluation of speech therapy programs.
- Advocate for Legal Support: Work with legal professionals to ensure that children’s rights to speech therapy are upheld and that there are judicial remedies for any violations.
- Seek Funding for Capacity Building: Apply for grants and other funding opportunities to support professional development and the implementation of best practices.
- Implement Monitoring Systems: Use data collection tools to track therapy progress and outcomes, and report these findings to stakeholders regularly.
Encouraging Further Research
SLPs should be encouraged to conduct further research on the impact of accountability mechanisms on therapy outcomes. By contributing to the body of knowledge in this area, practitioners can help develop more effective strategies for improving children’s health and achieving the SDGs.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: An Independent Review and Accountability Mechanism for the Sustainable Development Goals.
