Speak Out June 2019

• SPA supervision standards, particularly the section on standards for new graduates. • The SPA FAQ on supervision. Estela and Kora - ethical obligations in this scenario. As an employer, Kora should be conscious of how she determines KPIs and the level of support provided for her staff, according to their level of experience and the needs of the clients on their caseload. The SPA FAQ on productivity describes: “SPA does not specify productivity standards for a service or each individual speech pathologist within a service or practice because the amount of face-to-face time required to achieve an outcome will vary depending on a number of factors including: • The severity level of the disorders and individual needs of the patient population. • Complexity of overall caseload (i.e., some clients may be relatively simple to prepare for, whereas clients with complex communication needs may require extensive preparation and follow up. • Experience of practitioner i.e. a new graduate may take longer to prepare a session than a clinician with many years of experience. • Supervision and training needed by employee.” Kora can consider these factors (as well as others listed in the FAQ), and the structure and costs of her business to determine KPIs. She may consult the SPA FAQ on Determining a Schedule of Fees, to assist her to develop what is an appropriate expectation for Estela now, and how it can change as she gains more experience. Kora can also use the resources and information SPA has produced on professional supervision, including the supervision position statement, standards, and FAQ, to understand her ethical responsibility to support staff, particularly new graduates and early career speech pathologists: the benefits for clients, in receiving appropriate and timely interventions; for her business, in having well supported and happy staff in her practice. Estela also has ethical obligations to Kora her employer. She should demonstrate her professional integrity by bringing her concerns to Kora before they become overwhelming, and take the time to inform herself so that the discussion can be professional and productive. Both speech pathologists should strive to demonstrate their respect for each other in conversations regarding work place expectations and the professional support provided by an employer. Regular, open and timely discussions are needed to set and monitor fair workload and productivity targets, and identify supervision and supports available. While acknowledging that this can be an emotive topic for both, Estela and Kora should demonstrate they are cooperating to ensure the conversations are professional and ultimately have a positive outcome for each speech pathologist, the business, and ultimately clients.

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Trish Johnson Manager, Ethics and Professional issues

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June 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out

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