Awareness and knowledge of health science professionals on the role of speech-language pathologists in stroke rehabilitation

Introduction: Stroke is a complex condition that requires various health professionals’ coordinated and effective collaboration. Although the team approach is regarded as the most successful approach to stroke rehabilitation, understanding of the potential roles and responsibilities of each health professional by other team members remains variable. As speech-language pathologists work collaboratively in a patient-focused stroke rehabilitation team, other health science professionals must be aware of their roles. To investigate health science professionals’ awareness and knowledge of the role of speech-language pathologists in the stroke rehabilitation team. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was conducted through hybrid mode. One hundred and ninety-two students from seven different health science backgrounds including Ayurveda, Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Psychology and Dietetics participated in the present study. Results: Among the different health science groups, students from occupational therapy were found to have relatively better awareness and knowledge about the role of speech-language pathologists in stroke rehabilitation. However, perceptions about the same among other groups were variable. Conclusions: It is of utmost significance that all health science practitioners should be aware of the roles and responsibilities of each team members’ role in stroke rehabilitation which may facilitate better patient outcomes.