Economic Evaluations of Speech and Language Therapy Interventions: A Scoping Review

What is already known on the subject As pressures grow on health and social care services, it is increasingly important that the care and support provided is shown to be both effective and cost-effective, informing those who plan, provide, receive and pay for the services. Although some research has begun to examine the cost-effectiveness of speech and language therapy (SLT) interventions, the overall extent and depth of this body of evidence remain unknown. What this study adds to the existing knowledge This scoping review offers an overview of the maturity, depth, and extent of the evidence assessing the costs and cost-effectiveness of interventions provided by SLT. Although the evidence base continues to grow, it appears to lack coherence in its development, necessitating a strategically planned approach to optimize and coordinate efforts to the benefit of the service and those using it. What are the potential or clinical implications of this work? This scoping review has identified 52 studies which assessed the cost of SLT. The evidence from these studies can help us better understand the economic value of SLT. However, given the relative immaturity of the evidence base and lack of coordination across the findings, further research is required. This research should draw from the findings of this review and would ideally be part of a coherent, coordinated effort to develop a full understanding of the economic value of SLT across different clinical areas.