Survey of Private Speech-Language Rehabilitation Institutions in Korea

Purpose: This unique study aims to comprehensively understand the status and actual conditions of private speech-language rehabilitation institutions. It will provide foundational data for accreditation evaluations and operational standards, ultimately contributing to the job satisfaction of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and improving service quality.Methods: The survey items consisted of 10 questions on the general characteristics of the operators and 18 questions related to the operation of the institutions. The questions related to operation included size, characteristics of the clients, services provided and their costs, voucher services, and operational status. The survey was conducted and analyzed using Google Forms, targeting 89 operators of private speech-language therapy institutions nationwide.Results: The operators, who were mostly first-class certified, held a master’s degree or higher and had over 10 years of experience in speech therapy. The institutions typically had 2 to 5 SLPs, an area of 99 to 165 square meters, an average revenue of 30 to 50 million KRW, a total of 51 to 100 clients, and an average of 101 to 103 speech therapy sessions per month. The clients were mostly children with language development disorders and preschool-aged children. The services provided were in the sequence of speech therapy, play therapy, and art therapy.Conclusions: Establishing operational standards and conducting accreditation evaluations are necessary to provide high-quality service and improve the operational capabilities of private speech-language rehabilitation institutions. Additionally, regular surveys should be undertaken to identify and analyze changes.