What does the supervision of the SLPA include besides direct supervision?

The supervision of a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) includes various roles and responsibilities beyond direct supervision, and indirect supervision is a key component. Indirect supervision encompasses activities that do not involve the supervisor being physically present during the services provided by the SLPA. This can involve reviewing the SLPA's documentation, providing feedback through phone conversations or emails, and ensuring that the SLPA adheres to ethical and professional standards.

Indirect supervision allows the supervising speech-language pathologist to guide the SLPA's practice while maintaining some level of oversight, thus ensuring that the care provided is appropriate and effective. It fosters an environment of ongoing communication and support, which can be critical in developing the skills and competencies of the SLPA.

While peer review, client feedback, and documentation review may play roles in the professional development and evaluation of the SLPA, they do not specifically describe the structured supervisory framework fundamental to the supervisory relationship defined in professional practice guidelines. Indirect supervision, by contrast, is a formally recognized aspect of supervision that directly influences how SLPs manage and support SLPAs in their roles.