Characterization of care provided at a Speech Therapy School Clinic affiliated with the Brazilian public healthcare system

ABSTRACT Objective: to characterize the care provided at a Speech Therapy School Clinic affiliated with the Brazilian public healthcare system, in 2016. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with data from screening, discharge, discontinuation and medical records. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were assessed, by measuring waiting time and specialty. The reasons for treatment discontinuation were also investigated. The data were presented in tables and expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: one hundred-seven individuals were screened, among whom 53.3% were children, 58.9% were males, 41.1% had language complaints and 35.5% had complaints regarding orofacial motor function. The mean waiting time to begin treatment was 6.6 months. Among all individuals screened, 80.3% began treatment. The treatment, more frequently, addressed orofacial motor function (39.1%) and language (37.9%). Discharge from treatment occurred in 28.6% of cases. Among the 37 individuals whose treatment was discontinued prior to completion, the main reason was abandonment/absences on the part of the patient (71.4%). Conclusion: the speech therapy care profile revealed a greater frequency of children, males and needs regarding language and orofacial motor function. The mean waiting time was 6.6 months and 20% of the individuals screened did not initiate treatment. A high frequency of discontinuation prior to completing treatment was found, due, mainly, to failure on the part of the patients to attend the sessions.