Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2024, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (4): 389-396.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2024.04.003

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Survey on competency status of hearing and speech rehabilitation professionals in Jiangsu, China

LENG Qing1, ZHANG Ying2, ZHANG Weifeng1()   

  1. 1. Nanjing Special Education Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210038, China
    2. Jiangsu Children's Rehabilitation Research Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210004, China
  • Received:2024-03-01 Published:2024-04-25 Online:2024-05-08
  • Contact: ZHANG Weifeng, E-mail: psy_zfwei03@sina.com
  • Supported by:
    National Social Science Foundation Project(19BYY086);China Disabled Persons' Federation Project(2023CDPFHS-14)

Abstract:

Objective To analyze the competency status of hearing and speech rehabilitation professionals in Jiangsu province and propose policy recommendations.

Methods From September to December, 2023, a questionnaire on the competency status of hearing and speech rehabilitation professionals was distributed online to 312 professionals from 19 rehabilitation institutions and eleven special schools in Jiangsu province. Additionally, some staff members from the involved units were interviewed online using an interview outline.

Results The education level of professionals in hearing and speech rehabilitation was generally low, with over 67% holding associate degree, nearly 30% holding bachelor's degree, and less than 4% with post-graduate degree. More than 50% of these professionals had obtained their current qualifications through continuing education and other means. The professional titles of hearing and speech rehabilitation workers were generally low, with nearly 80% holding only junior title or no title at all. About 50% of professionals in this field reported have some knowledge or a thorough understanding of child development, preschool education theory, hearing aids, and speech and speech rehabilitation training. Over 60% of professionals were not very familiar with or completely unfamiliar with scientific research, curriculum development, rehabilitation theory, and speech pathology; about 50% of professionals had only some understanding of professional skills, and only about 45% had a thorough understanding of them. 50% of professionals did a good or very good job in developing individualized training plans and providing family rehabilitation guidance, while more than 30% perform average; nearly 30% had never been involved in curriculum development, and about 60% had not participated in any research projects; over 80% performed well or very well in teaching design and rehabilitation effect evaluation, nearly 70% did well or very well in teaching activities, but professionals were relatively weak in preschool education skills such as speaking, drawing, singing and dancing.

Conclusion The overall shortage of human resources in the field of hearing and speech rehabilitation is characterized by insufficient educational supply, inadequately designed career paths, and the need for more comprehensive post-qualification training resources. Most personnel have an inadequate understanding of rehabilitation theories and speech pathology, and they significantly lack abilities in scientific research and curriculum development, with weak skills in preschool education. It is necessary to study the distribution of human resources and the competency status of hearing and speech rehabilitation professionals according to the World Health Organization rehabilitation competency framework. Based on service demands, it is crucial to develop human resource development plans, design continuing education programs and curricula, establish competency standards for hearing and speech rehabilitation personnel, and carry out professional competency assessments and continuing education and training to enhance the capacity and quality of hearing and speech rehabilitation services.

Key words: hearing and speech rehabilitation, professional, rehabilitation competency framework

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