Profiles of outpatient speech-language therapy and audiology clients at a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape.

This study described trends in the demographic, diagnostic, and attendance variables of first-time clients who attended the Speech-Language Therapy and Audiology outpatient department (OPD) at a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape over a five-year period (1999-2003). A retrospective, descriptive survey was conducted and data were collected from hospital records. The data were coded, analysed descriptively and represented in tables, figures and graphs. The diagnostic categories of hearing loss and voice disorder made up the highest percentage of referrals. The largest percentages of clients were referred from the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department at the study hospital, followed by the education sector. Demographic trends indicated that the highest percentage of clients attending the OPD was in the age category of 7-12 years, that similar percentages of male and female clients attended the OPD, and that English was the language that a client was most likely to speak. Geographically, the highest percentage of clients attending the OPD was from the Klipfontein region. Attendance data revealed that approximately 70% of clients attended OPD appointments within a three-month time period and attended no more than two appointments. Percentage of appointments attended decreased with increasing numbers of scheduled appointments. Implications for research and service delivery are discussed.