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Revista Chilena de Fonoaudiología accepts manuscripts on an ongoing basis throughout the calendar year. The journal operates under a "continuous publication" model.

Speech and language practice domains in Primary Health Care regarding the COVID-19: A narrative review

Authors

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has challenged professional teams regarding the provision of health services in Primary Health Care (PHC). Speech pathologists who work at this level have diversified their work, so it becomes necessary to reflect on their practice in this context. The objective of this narrative review is to update the state of the art regarding the domains of the provision of services in speech therapy and their relevance in PHC, regarding the pandemic. The various areas of speech therapy action are pertinent to face the demands derived from the pandemic in PHC. There is an extension of scope of speech therapy practice that considers the continuity of care and therapeutic accompaniment. Such an extension incorporates the need to strengthen prevention and health promotion actions, observing communication as a tool for this purpose. In this context, it is necessary to reflect on the disciplinary role of the speech therapist from his practice in generic and specific areas at the local level, recognizing the existence of a hybridization in the provision of services both individually and collectively. It becomes also necessary to formulate position papers, based on evidence and supported by international recommendations as well as the requirements of the community, regarding the role of the speech therapist in PHC. The formulation and dissemination of research that make visible the contributions of speech therapy in this area seem fundamental.

Keywords:

Speech language and hearing sciences, Primary Health Care, COVID-19