Improving client transitions between SLT teams in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde: A knowledge exchange service development project

Abstract

Introduction SLT services in NHSGG&C are offered from around 37 locations, managed within community and hospital, adult and paediatric units. SLTs work in teams serving specified populations, and facilitating client transitions amongst SLT teams is a priority. Researchers at Strathclyde University interviewed 28 SLTs and 7 service-users about successful and less successful transitions between the 21 SLT teams for adults with long-term SLCN, including unplanned transitions on entering acute services, and planned transitions on leaving school (McCartney & Muir, 2015, 2016). The overarching themes facilitating or impeding transitions, showing both negative and positive examples, were SLT team properties; communication and information exchange; and outside influences on teams. Following this, a University of Strathclyde and NHSGG&C SLT services Knowledge Exchange (KE) project was jointly funded, and a 'transitions' working group representing SLTs across all client groups formed. This group extended the research analysis, and suggested further service improvements.