期刊名称：South African Journal of Communication Disorders
印刷版ISSN：0379-8046
电子版ISSN：2225-4765
出版年度：2008
卷号：55
期号：1
页码：49-62
DOI：10.4102/sajcd.v55i1.769
出版社：AOSIS OpenJournals
摘要：This study explores the lived experience of being a Speech-Language Therapist (S-L Therapist) in the South African Western Cape public health service. The lived experience of seven S-L Therapists with varied clinical experience was illuminated using a qualitative phenomenological research design. S-L Therapists, working in the three Western Cape tertiary hospitals, provided an in-depth account of their experiences as S-L Therapists. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an adaptation of Colaizzi's (1978) method of analysis. The rigour and trustworthiness of the research process was informed by consideration of issues of credibility, applicability, confirm ability and dependability as they relate to phenomenological design. Five main themes emerged from data analysis: expectations of practice and practice realities; being part of the "underdog" profession: role definition and status; being connected; the holistic nature of the S-L Therapist's practice; and erosion or promotion. The implications for training and support of S-L therapists by managers and policymakers and peers are highlighted.
关键词：phenomenology;lived experience;Western Cape public health service;Speech-Language Therapist
