Breaking barriers: Evaluating an early intervention speech pathology program for children living with vulnerabilities in Sydney.
Shantanu Sheshgir1, Brendan Goodger2, Kylie Somerville2 1Larter Consulting, Geelong, Victoria, Australia2Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, Mascot, New South Wales, Australia
Abstract
Background: The Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) commissions an early intervention speech pathology program, delivered in central and eastern Sydney by three providers primarily in early childhood education centres (ECECs). The providers deliver distinct place-based models, targeting children living with vulnerabilities. One provider is commissioned to offer culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their caregivers.
Aim: To externally evaluate the implementation and early outcomes of the Early Intervention Speech Pathology Program.
Methods: A process-outcomes evaluation was conducted using a mixed methods approach within a realist evaluation framework. Phase 1 program throughput data analysis, and service design and implementation document analysis from 2018-2022. Descriptive statistics were performed to identify year-on-year trends and narrative analysis was undertaken to determine key features of the three service models. In Phase 2, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with the CESPHN program governance team (n=3), service providers (n=6), and ECEC staff (n=6). Interviews were analysed using grounded theory.
Results: The evaluation showed rapid community acceptance of all three models, with over 10,000 children screened in target suburbs and more than 4,300 therapy sessions delivered, including group therapy. ECEC staff reported improved capacity to identify children requiring speech services and to provide in-class support to at-risk children.
Conclusion: Thus, a place-based early intervention speech pathology program can improve access to speech pathology services for children living with vulnerabilities in Central and Eastern Sydney. The program’s achievements highlight the potential for exploring varied opportunities to address the needs of under-resourced communities.
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