Evaluating the Preparedness of Speech-Language Pathologists Enrolled in a Graduate Programme in South India to Serve the Ageing Population: A Survey Study.

Approximately half of participating SLPs' caseloads included older adults.

• 122 SLPs enrolled in a graduate programme in South India voluntarily participated
• Cross-sectional online survey design was used
• Approximately 50% of participants' caseloads included older adults
• Participants were drawn from South India specifically

Participants reported being only moderately prepared for assessment and management of communication and swallowing disorders in the ageing population.

• Preparedness was self-reported via survey questionnaire
• Moderate preparedness was reported for both assessment/diagnosis and management domains
• The survey gathered information on caseload characteristics, assessment and diagnosis, management, challenges faced, and future perspectives
• Both communication disorders and swallowing disorders were included in the preparedness evaluation

Participants identified several perceived barriers to their preparedness and practice when serving the ageing population.

• Physical health issues of older adults were identified as a significant barrier
• Cognitive decline in older adults was reported as a barrier
• Lack of support from caregivers and significant others was identified as a barrier
• These barriers were perceived barriers as reported by the SLP participants themselves

Participants recognised a growing demand for speech-language pathology services for older adults in India, particularly for cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders.

• Survey findings indicated growing recognition of increasing demand for SLP services for older adults in India
• Cognitive-communication disorders were specifically highlighted as an area of increasing demand
• Swallowing disorders were also specifically highlighted as an area of increasing demand
• Participants reported future perspectives as part of the survey

The survey identified specific gaps in graduate-level SLP education in South India regarding older adult care.

• The findings highlight the need for inclusion of courses related to communication and swallowing needs of older adults in the graduate curriculum
• Specialised training in evidence-based practices for addressing age-related conditions was identified as needed
• Greater use of technology to improve service delivery was recommended
• The graduate programme context suggests these are early-career or student-level SLPs