Speech-Language Therapist Staffing for the Rehabilitation of Adult and Paediatric In/Outpatients in Chilean Public Hospitals

Introduction. Speech and language therapists are key in health teams; health institutions must have enough staff for quality care. Objective. To determine the professional provision of speech and language therapy staffing required for in-and-outpatient care of adult and paediatric patients in public hospitals of the Chilean healthcare network. Method. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out, which included clinical beds of Chilean public hospitals. The calculation was performed according to the Chilean Ministry of Health guidance for estimating the rehabilitation human resources required for in-and-outpatient care, according to the number and type of clinical beds (basic, medium and critical care) available in each public health institutions. Results. 189 hospitals were included, with 23,677 clinical beds analysed. 81% and 19% of them were for adult and paediatric patient care respectively. 28,950 hours per week of speech and language therapy staffing in public hospitals for in-and-outpatient care is required: 85% for adult patients and 15% for paediatric ones. The Magallanes and Ñuble Regions require the highest percentage of hours —92 and 91%, respectively— for adult patients. The Tarapacá, Metropolitana, and Aysén regions need 18% of hours for paediatric patients. The Metropolitana Region needs almost 35% of the total national hours, followed by Biobío (10.29%) and Valparaíso (9.87%) regions. Conclusion. Hospitals should review these results to ensure a correct planning of professionals, and consider the proposal for non-working days for the care of hospitalised patients, to optimise their clinical results and quality of life, and the management results of each centre. It is necessary to continue generating evidence in favour of patient care, resource optimisation, and the well-being of clinical professionals.