The formulation and evaluation of the discharge policy of the Speech-Language Department

Abstract

In this study the discharge policy of the Speech-Language Department is formulated and evaluated. The policy is described through five different stages; these being initiation, formulation, implementation, evaluation and review. The study describes how current heightened interest in the Health sector and the need for harmonisation of discharge planning procedures in the Speech-Language Department initiated the policy and led on to its formulation, followed by implementation, evaluation and eventually to review. Data was collected at the initiation stage from 27 Speech-Language Pathologists employed with the department itself. This helped to inform and formulate the policy which was implemented in a clinical trial. The policy was evaluated through feedback collected in a focus group made up of six different health care professionals and one educator involved in the health setting.