As professionals, speech therapists continuously develop and maintain their own knowledge and expertise. They act in accordance with the principles of evidence-based practice and contribute to effective and efficient speech therapy services and the substantiation of these services. They also contribute to the promotion and professional development of the field in accordance with current societal and professional guidelines and the norms and values of the profession (as described in the code of conduct for speech therapists). Speech therapists hone their expertise by reading specialist literature, taking training and development courses and attending conferences and symposiums. This also includes case discussions and peer review. Speech therapists contribute to the safety of their clients and their systems, either individually or in teams, by following strategies that promote safety. Speech therapists can determine the position of the profession in relation to other professions.
Professional
Core Activities
- Acting according to ethical standards;
- Applying principles of evidence-based practice;
- Reflect on professional performance;
- Justify and improve the quality of that professional performance;
- Evaluating own expertise.
Examples of professional activities
- Taking accountability based on the ethical and behavioural requirements in the professional code of conduct;
- Reflecting on own professional performance through careful consideration of substantive, process-based and moral decisions;
- Taking responsibility for professional performance;
- Discussing personal development goals and requesting and applying feedback;
- Maintaining their own expertise by participating in workshops, symposiums, training courses, supervision and peer review.
Levels
Level 1: Novice
The speech therapy student receives and processes feedback under the supervision of an educator. The speech therapy student is aware of their own development and takes responsibility for it. The speech therapy student can identify ethical dilemmas based on case studies.
Level 2: Advanced beginner
The speech therapy student reflects on their own performance and drafts a development plan for professional performance. The speech therapy student identifies ethical dilemmas in a simulation and takes a justified stance. The speech therapy student expresses their opinion on the importance of the profession for the client and society.
Level 3: Competent
Speech therapists independently assess their own professional performance in a realistic professional situation and adjust these based on feedback. Speech therapists act in accordance with evidence-based practice by making independent decisions based on their specialised knowledge and on the values and preferences of clients/involved parties. Speech therapists justify their decisions with regard to efficiency, effectiveness and the best available evidence. Speech therapists examine ethical dilemmas in professional practice and make informed decisions by weighing objections and opportunities. Speech therapists express their opinions on the importance of the profession for the client and society. Speech therapists shape lifelong learning through formal and informal learning activities.