Self-Efficacy, Perceived Skills, and Real Knowledge of Speech-Language Pathologists

Self-Efficacy, Perceived Skills, and Real Knowledge of Speech-Language Pathologists by Meredith L. Baker-Rush M.S., Rush University, 1995 B.S., Illinois State University, 1992 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University December 2016 Abstract Although speech language pathologists’ (SLPs) knowledge of communication and swallowing has been undisputed, their knowledge and skills related to tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation (MV) seem varied. The consequences associated with the presence of tracheostomy or MV demonstrate the necessity of training. Guided by Bandura’s social cognitive theory, this study was designed to determine if SLPs’ trainingAlthough speech language pathologists’ (SLPs) knowledge of communication and swallowing has been undisputed, their knowledge and skills related to tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation (MV) seem varied. The consequences associated with the presence of tracheostomy or MV demonstrate the necessity of training. Guided by Bandura’s social cognitive theory, this study was designed to determine if SLPs’ training influenced self-efficacy and real knowledge, and to evaluate trends associated with SLPs’ pursuit of specialized training. A total of 236 SLPs practicing in the United States responded to a researcher-developed knowledge and confidence test for tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation (KCT-TMV). Data were analyzed via ttest, one-way ANOVA with post hocs, regressions, and correlations. Knowledge scores of SLPs were low as identified by responses on the KCT-TMV. SLPs reported confidence and high selfefficacy, yet those ratings did not correlate with high levels of knowledge. Therefore, some SLPs may not recognize they lack knowledge/competency. A lack of competency in continued practice is a violation of the Rules and Code of Ethics of the American Speech Language Hearing Association as well as nonmaleficence. Trends related to the pursuit of training were focal to a lack of resources from employers and inconsistencies in healthcare practice. These results may bring positive social change to the training of SLPs. By doing so, the social impact may result in improved patient care and patient health outcomes for the tracheostomized and MV patient populations. Self-Efficacy, Perceived Skills, and Real Knowledge of Speech-Language Pathologists by Meredith L. Baker-Rush M.S. Rush University, 1995 B.S., Illinois State University, 1992 Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University December 2016 Dedication This research study is dedicated to the advanced training of speech-language pathologists and the critically ill patients/clients that we serve. Acknowledgments To my dissertation committee, thank you for your knowledge, skills, and expertise through the countless phone calls and emails. Dr. Stadtlander, my chair, my mentor, and my colleague; your dedication to my success and fun-loving humor helped to make the dissertation process manageable! Your honest and forthright approach was priceless and foundational in my success. I can only hope that I will be able to be the mentor and support for others as you have been for me. To my parents, you have supported me in every sense of the word for my entire life. I am honored to be your daughter. You have taught me persistence, humbleness, the value of an education, regard for others, and empathy. You have afforded me every opportunity a child could ever imagine. I am the person I am today because of all you have done and all that you continue to do every day. I love you both more than words can say. To my husband Mark, you were instrumental in my success. Your willingness to drive back and forth to the library at all hours, make me food when I forgot to eat, take the kids to activities, and carve out time in our busy lives to allow me to concentrate on my dissertation will never be forgotten. You saw me struggle, cry, and work tirelessly through many nights, but you stayed nearby (e.g., even sleeping on the couch to keep me company) to show your support. Thank you for all that you did. I cannot even express my true gratitude and appreciation. I love you. To my girls, Jaidyn and Juliah, you are the light of my life and the reasons for all my sacrifice. I am so proud of you both. You sat with me in my office doing your homework while I was doing mine. I hope that I was able to teach you the value in being a forever learner. I am so thankful for you both, your understanding, love, and support during my dissertation and always. I love you to the moon and back times infinity. You are my greatest accomplishment and I am honored to have you as my daughters. To my sister, Lauren, and nieces Makenzie and Makayla, thank you for your support and being there to help with the girls so I could achieve this goal. I hope that my lifelong love of learning has inspired you to follow your dreams at any age! So many friends, family members, and colleagues have supported me through my doctoral education. While I cannot name each of you, I am eternally thankful for your love, faith, and support over the years. You each have a special place in my heart. You know who you are.