Post-Radiotherapy Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer: Current Management by Speech-Language Pathologists.

OPINION STATEMENT: Dysphagia, difficulty in eating and drinking, remains the most common side effect of radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) with devastating consequences for function and quality of life (QOL). Over the past decade, 5-year survival has improved due to multiple factors including treatment advances, reduction in smoking, introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and more favourable prognosis of HPV-related cancers. Increased prevalence of HPV-positive disease, which tends to affect younger individuals, has led to an elevated number of people living for longer with the sequelae of cancer and its treatment. Symptoms are compounded by late effects of radiotherapy which may lead to worsening of dysphagia for some long-term survivors or new-onset dysphagia for others. Speech-language pathology (SLP) input remains core to the assessment and management of dysphagia following HNC treatment. In this article, we present current SLP management of dysphagia post-radiotherapy. We discuss conventional treatment approaches, the emergence of therapy adjuncts and current service delivery models. The impact of adherence on therapy outcomes is highlighted. Despite treatment advancements, patients continue to present with dysphagia which is resistant to existing intervention approaches. There is wide variation in treatment programmes, with a paucity of evidence to support optimal type, timing and intensity of treatment. We discuss the need for further research, including exploration of the impact of radiotherapy on the central nervous system (CNS), the link between sarcopenia and radiotherapy-induced dysphagia and the benefits of visual biofeedback in rehabilitation.

Dysphagia Management in the Emergency Department: Using Concept Mapping to Identify Actionable Change to Improve Services.

BACKGROUND: Integrated speech-language pathology (SLP) services within the emergency department (ED) may facilitate timely dysphagia management. However, there are multiple patient and logistical factors specific to the ED that challenge the delivery of optimal dysphagia referral and management practices within this setting. The aim of the current study was to engage a stakeholder group to identify prioritised, actionable goals that could help enhance dysphagia management within the ED. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Applying concept mapping methodology, 16 ED stakeholders from SLP, medical, nursing, and leadership participated in semi-structured interviews to develop action statements which were sorted and ranked for importance and changeability. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to organise data in clusters with unifying themes before statements were ranked by importance and changeability. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Stakeholders identified 53 unique statements, grouped into 8 clusters. Review of the 8 clusters identified 3 overarching aspects for change: (a) Improving processes related to identification and referral of patients as well as communication; (b) Teamwork and collaboration amongst the ED multidisciplinary team and SLP; and (c) Improving staffing and access to training resources for SLP and nursing teams. Seventeen statements were within the Go-zone rated highest for importance and changeability) with the highest rated statement being: Clear documentation by SLP re: recommendations. CONCLUSION: The current data identified multiple aspects of service provision that require change to facilitate improved dysphagia referral and management services in the ED. Collaborative actions are required by both SLP and the ED multidisciplinary team to help optimise dysphagia services.

Clinical reasoning during dysphagia assessment and management in acute care: A longitudinal qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Competent clinical reasoning forms the foundation for effective and efficient clinical swallowing examination (CSE) and consequent dysphagia management decisions. While the nature of initial CSEs has been evaluated, it remains unclear how new information gathered by speech-language therapists (SLTs) throughout a patient's acute-care journey is integrated into their initial clinical reasoning and management processes and used to review and revise initial management recommendations. AIMS: To understand how SLTs' clinical reasoning and decision-making regarding dysphagia assessment and management evolve as patients transition through acute hospital care from referral to discharge. METHODS & PROCEDURES: A longitudinal, qualitative approach was employed to gather information from two SLTs who managed six patients at a metropolitan acute-care hospital. A retrospective 'think-aloud' protocol was utilized to prompt SLTs regarding their clinical reasoning and decision-making processes during initial and subsequent CSEs and patient interactions. Three types of concept maps were created based on these interviews: a descriptive concept map, a reasoning map and a hypothesis map. All concept maps were evaluated regarding their overall structure, facts gathered, types of reasoning engaged in (inductive versus deductive), types of hypotheses generated, and the diagnosis and management recommendations made following initial CSE and during subsequent dysphagia management. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Initial CSEs involved a rich process of fact-gathering, that was predominantly led by inductive reasoning (hypothesis generation) and some application of deductive reasoning (hypothesis testing), with the primary aims of determining the presence of dysphagia and identifying the safest diet and fluid recommendations. During follow-up assessments, SLTs engaged in increasingly more deductive testing of initial hypotheses, including fact-gathering aimed at determining the tolerance of current diet and fluid recommendations or the suitability for diet and/or fluid upgrade and less inductive reasoning. Consistent with this aim, SLTs' hypotheses were focused primarily on airway protection and medical status during the follow-up phase. Overall, both initial and follow-up swallowing assessments were targeted primarily at identifying suitable management recommendations, and less so on identifying and formulating diagnoses. None of the patients presented with adverse respiratory and/or swallowing outcomes during admission and following discharge from speech pathology. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: Swallowing assessment and management across the acute-care journey was observed as a high-quality, patient-centred process characterized by iterative cycles of inductive and deductive reasoning. This approach appears to maximize efficiency without compromising the quality of care. The outcomes of this research encourage further investigation and translation to tertiary and post-professional education contexts as a clear understanding of the processes involved in reaching diagnoses and management recommendations can inform career-long refinement of clinical skills. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject SLTs' clinical reasoning processes during initial CSE employ iterative cycles of inductive and deductive reasoning, reflecting a patient-centred assessment process. To date it is unknown how SLTs engage in clinical reasoning during follow-up assessments of swallowing function, how they assess the appropriateness of initial management recommendations and how this relates to patient outcomes. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge Our longitudinal evaluation of clinical reasoning and decision-making patterns related to swallowing management in acute care demonstrated that SLTs tailored their processes to each patient's presentation. There was an emphasis on monitoring the suitability of the initial management recommendations and the potential for upgrade of diet or compensatory swallowing strategies. The iterative cycles of inductive and deductive reasoning reflect efficient decision-making processes that maintain high-quality clinical care within the acute environment. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Employing efficient and high-quality clinical reasoning is a hallmark of good dysphagia practice in maximizing positive patient outcomes. Developing approaches to understanding and making explicit clinical reasoning processes of experienced clinicians may assist SLTs of all developmental stages to provide high standards of care.

Factors influencing speech pathology practice in dysphagia after stroke: A qualitative focus group study.

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia affects over half of adults after stroke. Dysphagia rehabilitation aims to improve swallowing and reduce negative outcomes for these adults. However, significant variability exists in dysphagia rehabilitation. Research is needed to explore the underlying clinician-specific and workplace factors that contribute to variability in dysphagia rehabilitation after stroke. AIM: To explore factors influencing speech pathology practice in dysphagia rehabilitation after stroke. METHODS & PROCEDURES: We used a phenomenological approach with an interpretivist perspective. Twenty speech pathologists working in dysphagia rehabilitation participated from different workplace settings around Australia. Five semi-structured focus groups were conducted online. Data were inductively analysed using thematic analysis with a coding reliability method. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Four themes were discussed within focus groups: (1) relationship between experienced and less experienced clinicians: 'Following what other people have done', (2) need for collaborative learning: 'A safe space to share and train', (3) variation between settings impacts on continuity of care: 'There's a difference between community and acute', and (4) working effectively with multidisciplinary teams (MDT): 'An MDT which can listen to the voice of speech pathology'. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: Relationships between senior and junior speech pathologists, within speech pathology and MDT, and across inpatient and community settings influenced speech pathology practice. Flattened hierarchies in speech pathology, collaborative learning in workplaces, mutual respect within teams and connection across inpatient and community settings could improve the quality and consistency of dysphagia rehabilitation after stroke. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Dysphagia rehabilitation can improve swallowing after a stroke. However, dysphagia rehabilitation is characterised by variability in clinical practice. Clinician-specific and workplace factors influence clinical practice and may contribute to variability in dysphagia rehabilitation. What this study adds Professional relationships influence speech pathologists' clinical practice, including relationships between senior and junior clinicians, between inpatient and community settings and with peers and multidisciplinary teams. Workplace norms and hierarchies, poor continuity of care between settings and competing priorities from other disciplines can hinder dysphagia rehabilitation. However, collaborative learning, positive workplace cultures and respectful transdisciplinary care can improve the quality and consistency of clinical practice. What are the clinical implications of this work? Flattening hierarchies in the workplace can foster a safe learning space. Further, questioning workplace norms and seeking out peer learning within and across settings can build clinical skills and confidence. Developing positive workplace cultures that support continuous development may be key for empowering speech pathologists to provide high-quality and consistent dysphagia rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation of post-stroke aphasia in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Aphasia, a common consequence of stroke, which affects both communication and social functioning, and in turn, quality of life, is on the rise due to increases in stroke prevalence and survival rate. The rehabilitation of post-stroke aphasia primarily falls within the purview of speech-language pathology and research supports the effectiveness of such services. However, provision of aphasia rehabilitation services in sub-Saharan Africa is associated with challenges. AIMS: This study aimed to examine rehabilitation services for individuals with post-stroke aphasia in Ghana by exploring the roles of the stakeholder groups involved in the assessment and treatment of post-stroke aphasia in Ghana, as well as the challenges they encounter in providing or identifying services. The stakeholder groups included educational institutions, interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, and family caregivers of individuals with post-stroke aphasia. METHODS & PROCEDURES: A qualitative case study approach was used to collect and integrate from multiple sources data such as demographic information, interview responses and program syllabi to develop a holistic image. Fifteen respondents from the stroke and speech therapy units at Komfo Anokye and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospitals, University of Ghana, and University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana were purposively sampled. Interview questions were developed and centred on aphasia education and training, knowledge of speech-language pathology services, speech-language pathology service delivery, access to speech-language pathology services, challenges in both delivery and access to speech-language pathology services and suggestions for improving speech-language pathology services. In-person and virtual interviews were conducted after demographic information was collected. Interviews were analysed thematically, and demographic information and program syllabi were triangulated with the interview data collected. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: All stakeholder groups identified concerns with current aphasia services in Ghana. Issues raised included the insufficient number of speech-language pathologists, lack of awareness of speech-language pathology services for post-stroke aphasia (among healthcare professionals and the public), absence of aphasia management information and clinical training in educational programming, lack of interest in speech-language pathology training programs, financial challenges, spiritual and traditional beliefs and geographic barriers (i.e., speech-language pathology services are currently available in only a few cities). CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: These findings emphasised the need to improve post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation in Ghana. The process of data collection itself educated respondents on the importance of post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation, and by identifying barriers, strategies to improving services, such as designing standardised aphasia assessments for the Ghanaian context, can now be initiated. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject To address post-stroke aphasia, evidence-based speech-language pathology services are provided. However, there is a paucity of studies on post-stroke aphasia services in Ghana, preventing an accurate report of services and practices in the country. What this study adds This study provides an overview of the existing rehabilitation services for post-stroke aphasia in Ghana. It highlights challenges facing the existing services and suggested strategies to improve post-stroke aphasia services. What are the clinical implications of this work? The study created awareness among healthcare professionals and general public (study participants) about the importance of rehabilitation services for post-stroke aphasia. Based on the study findings, appropriate stakeholders such as policy makers, researchers, and healthcare professionals can further design assessments and interventions to improve rehabilitation, including speech-language pathology services, for post-stroke aphasia in Ghana.

Telehealth Awareness, Perception, Practice, and Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire to Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

Introduction: The objective of this work was to investigate Speech-Language Pathologists' (SLPs) and audiologists' telehealth awareness, experience, and perception in terms of applicability, effectiveness, barriers, facilitators, and the influence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on telehealth practice. Methods: A questionnaire was developed and validated based on relevant literature, authors' clinical expertise, and a published survey. Sample size was determined through power analysis, and participants were recruited using a snowball-sampling technique. Results: Ninety-five (n = 95) clinicians completed a survey. A majority (87.4%) reported awareness of and 68.4% reported experience with telehealth. The SLPs (86.4%) had more experience than audiologists (38.9%). Overall, 78.5% first used telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with no significant difference in telehealth use during versus after the pandemic lockdown; 63.8% reported telehealth being less effective than in-person. However, there were differences in perceived telehealth effectiveness: Telehealth was significantly more effective for consultations and counseling, with adults aged 18-40 years; and clients with fluency and speech sound disorders. The highest significant barrier to telehealth delivery was network issues, and available workplace resources was the highest facilitator although this was not significant. Conclusions: Most clinicians were aware of telehealth, had a positive attitude toward it, and had experience using telehealth. More SLPs than audiologists used telehealth. The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive influence on telehealth service provision with an increase in use that was maintained after in-person services were re-initiated. Perceived effectiveness of telehealth services varied depending on the type of clinical service, the client's age, and diagnosis. These factors must be considered while planning telehealth services in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

An Applied Model of Interprofessional Collaboration-Assessment (AMIC-A): A Process-Based Approach to Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Speech-language pathologists and board-certified behavior analysts both provide important support services to children who are candidates for augmentative and alternative communication. Current assessment practices neglect critical socioecological factors that are necessary to inform communication-based interventions. By leveraging the unique knowledge, research, and expertise of both disciplines, an interprofessional approach to assessment may help realize individualized or precision interventions and personalized supports that address the unique communication needs of each person. The purpose of this article is to introduce a process-based approach to assessment called the "Applied Model of Interprofessional Collaboration-Assessment (AMIC-A)." The AMIC-A will be defined and detailed including the rationale for development, a description of the approach, and recommendations for implementation. A case study example is provided to illustrate implementation of the AMIC-A.

The Intersection of Social Determinants of Health and Post-stroke Aphasia Outcomes: A Need for Intersectional Analysis.

Aphasia is a disorder that results from damage to portions of the brain that are responsible for language and can vary significantly by type and severity. Differences in aphasia outcomes are influenced by the social determinants of health (SDOH). The SDOH are structural, environmental, and personal determinants that influence health outcomes. Intersectionality, or how one's social and political identities interact to influence individual life outcomes and/or advantage in our society, provides a way to examine the varying levels of the SDOH. However, intersectionality is complex, difficult to measure, and has not yet been explored in post-stroke aphasia outcomes. This article reviews the relationship of race and aphasia outcomes and the SDOH and aphasia outcomes. Additionally, we provide a novel current approach to examine the SDOH and aphasia outcomes. Lastly, we discuss the need for evaluation of intersectionality in aphasia and aim to provide a leveled social-ecological framework to examine aphasia-related outcomes. With notable individual differences among aphasia outcomes, we present a framework to support optimizing research and clinical aphasia care in speech-language pathology.

Videofluoroscopy Practice in India: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists.

Owing to differences in clinical approaches toward videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS), professional and governing bodies in some countries have implemented guidelines for performing VFSS. However, in India, the establishment of such practice guidelines is in initial stages of acceptance and there are no uniform guidelines. The aim of the current study was to investigate and describe the clinical practice patterns related to VFSS assessments among Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in India. An electronic survey consisting of 34 questions categorized into four main sections (demographic details and education; current practice; instrumental and technical considerations; protocol and assessment methods) was sent to SLPs registered with the Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA) through email and social media from August 2020 to January 2021. A total of 129 eligible responses were received. More than 50% of the participants used a standard assessment and analysis protocol. Barium and water-soluble contrasts were mostly used, and 97% of participants did not know what percent weight to volume (w/v) or volume to volume (v/v) contrast to fluid were used. Considerable amount of variability was observed in the responses of our participants, which was consistent with international surveys of VFSS practice patterns. Lack of adequate radiation safety measures was also observed. Our findings suggest a need to increase awareness and training among Indian SLPs in technical and procedural aspects of VFSS, and more sensitization toward radiation safety. ISHA should consider forming a committee to develop and adopt uniform nationwide practices in VFSS. Future studies exclusively investigating barriers and facilitators to VFSS practice in the Indian scenario are necessary.

Telehealth Management of Dysphagia in Adults: A Survey of Speech Language Pathologists' Experiences and Perceptions.

The goal of this study was to explore telehealth use for dysphagia management in response to COVID-19 to understand variables associated with clinician confidence and perceived effectiveness of this service delivery model and determine clinician-perceived benefits and challenges of managing dysphagia via telehealth. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs, n = 235) completed a web-based survey, providing information on demographics, telehealth use during the pandemic, and perspectives on current and future tele-management of dysphagia. Analyses included descriptive statistics to examine usage patterns; logistic regression to determine which variables were associated with telehealth use, clinician confidence, and perceived-effectiveness; and conventional content analysis to analyze responses to open-ended questions. Results revealed a sharp increase in the tele-management of dysphagia during the pandemic. Years of experience with dysphagia management (p = .031) and pre-pandemic use of telehealth (p < .001) were significantly associated with current use patterns. Working in the outpatient setting was associated with greater clinician confidence (p = .003) and perceived effectiveness (p = .007), and use of guidelines (p = .042) was also associated with greater clinician confidence. Key challenges identified included inadequate technological infrastructure, inadequate patient digital literacy, and reimbursement restrictions. Key benefits were treatment continuity, improving access to care, and time savings. The majority (67%) of respondents reported that they would use telehealth in the future. These findings demonstrate SLPs' abilities and desire to expand their practice patterns to include telehealth for dysphagia management. Therefore, clinician training and more research on best practices for assessment and treatment of dysphagia via telehealth is warranted to refine models of care for dysphagia tele-management.

"They Can't Believe They're a Tiger": Insights from pediatric speech-language pathologist mobile app users and app designers.

BACKGROUND: Children with communication disorders experience difficulty in one or more areas of articulation and speech, language, fluency, voice and social communication, and they work with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to improve their communication. With the rise of adoption and use for mobile applications among special education and healthcare service providers, SLPs also have implemented, and for some, contributed to the design of, mobile applications (apps) during clinical practice. However, how these mobile apps are designed and implemented for clinicians to facilitate their clients' communication and learning experiences during therapy remains underinvestigated. AIMS: This qualitative research study investigated how mobile apps were designed for clinicians to target assessment and intervention goals. Additionally, it focused on how clinicians adopted these apps while integrating therapy techniques to facilitate their clients' learning. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Informed by the Research, Practice, and Design for iPad Apps (iRPD) framework and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), semi-structured interviews were conducted with 37 licensed pediatric SLPs, including 23 SLPs who have used apps and 14 SLPs who have contributed to the design of their own mobile apps. Two rounds of qualitative coding via template analysis and thematic analysis were then used to analyse client and clinician characteristics, clinical practice, therapy tools, app characteristics, influential factors and app design and use recommendations. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Results showed SLPs utilise different genres of assistive, educational and recreational game apps to support children's communication development when working with children who have diverse disorders and therapy needs across different age groups. SLPs who have designed their own apps emphasised the importance of following evidence-based practice, well-researched teaching methods and learning theories. Additionally, multiple financial, sociocultural, political and ethical factors contributed to the design, adoption and implementation of mobile apps during services. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: By understanding the clinician's app use practices situated in various therapy activities and techniques, we specified a list of design recommendations for app designers who are interested in creating mobile apps for supporting children's speech and language development. By bringing insights from both clinical practitioners as well as those with additional technical design backgrounds, this study contributes to the understanding of clinical practice needs and strategies and will lead to the most optimal app design and adoption practice to support the well-being of children with communication disorders. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Speech language pathologist (SLPs) implement mobile apps for clients with diverse therapy needs, and their app adoption and use are influenced by multifaceted factors. Although prior studies have reported SLPs' mobile app use, additional information is still needed. For example, the research literature does not include how specific technology is used during therapy practice, or specific details about challenges and needs in implementing and utilising the technology. Additional research also needs to include influential factors (e.g., financial, sociocultural, political, ethical) that are considered when selecting, implementing, assessing and designing an app. The lack of research in these areas directly affects the understanding of clinical mobile technology practices and further hinders clinicians' abilities to advocate for better clinical and design decisions towards identifying and implementing effective mobile apps that facilitate children's communication. What this study adds to existing knowledge This qualitative study is the first known empirical research that interviewed pediatric speech-language pathologists who have used and designed mobile apps for children who receive speech-language therapy across different clinical settings. By investigating experiences from clinician stakeholders to illustrate a holistic overview of app design and development to deployment, this study reported finding on (1) how clinicians use mobile apps to help children to participate in different therapy activities, and (2) a list of recommended design and development guidelines that informs the design and use of mobile apps that best support and motivate children to engage in therapy. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? This study disseminates clinician-reported practices of app design and use with pediatric clients across different speech-language disorders, and identifies gaps and needs for clinicians and researchers who are interested in understanding the role of mobile technology in relationship to human communication and interaction. Additionally, the paper demonstrates that SLPs have instrumental roles rather than passive users in influencing the design and implementation of different genres of mobile apps through evidence-based clinical practice, and call for partnerships across clinicians, special educators and technologists to support children's communication development.

Caregiver burden interventions in speech-language pathology: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has demonstrated that many caregivers of care recipients with communication and swallowing impairments suffer from caregiver burden. Existing research sheds light on the presence of burden and various predicting factors, but little information on interventions to reduce caregiver burden. AIMS: To determine how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) address caregiver burden in clinical practice. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and 1898 unique articles were assessed for eligibility from nine electronic databases. Only 11 studies carried out a caregiver burden intervention involving an SLP. Details of the interventions were extracted per the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) guidelines. MAIN CONTRIBUTION: Results of the review revealed that SLP-led caregiver burden interventions can be effective in reducing burden. Multiple aspects of the intervention approaches, such as multidisciplinary care and targeting emotional burden, are discussed. Demographic factors, such as gender and socio-economic status (SES), are also taken into consideration. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: This review suggests that SLPs can be effective at reducing caregiver burden through interventions involving caregivers across the lifespan and continuum of care. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Previous research has demonstrated that many caregivers of care recipients with communication and swallowing impairments suffer from caregiver burden. These caregivers range from parents of young children to spouses of individuals with dementia. However, it is unclear if and how SLPs address caregiver burden in clinical practice. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Using the RTSS, details of various caregiver burden interventions involving SLPs were identified. This review revealed that SLP-led caregiver burden interventions can be effective in reducing emotional and financial burden, as well as play a part in improving care-recipient outcomes. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? This systematic review demonstrates that efforts to reduce caregiver burden within SLP practice may yield benefits for both caregivers and care recipients. It provides clinicians with a preliminary resource to help consider caregiver burden interventions that best suit the needs of the caregivers and their care recipients.

How acceptable is the use of linguistic-phonological intervention in children with cleft palate? A qualitative study in speech therapists.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Even though evidence for the use of linguistic-phonological intervention approaches in children with a cleft (lip and) palate (CP±L) is still limited, these approaches are being used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to treat active or compensatory cleft speech disorders in clinical practice. It is, however, unknown to what extent linguistic-phonological intervention is acceptable to SLPs. The aim of this study is to investigate the retrospective acceptability of linguistic-phonological intervention in children with a CP±L from the perspective of SLPs using the theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA). METHODS & PROCEDURES: A total of 18 female community SLPs, aged between 23 and 63 years, were included in the study. An independent interviewer conducted semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using a deductive coding approach. Statements of the SLPs were related to the seven constructs of the TFA: affective attitude, burden, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness and self-efficacy. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: The affective attitude and perceived effectiveness of linguistic-phonological intervention differed among the SLPs: some therapists had positive attitudes towards these approaches, while others did not. Positive attitudes were related to the successful use of linguistic-phonological intervention in the past. The construct 'ethicality' revealed that negative attitudes towards these approaches were attributed to the limited available scientific evidence or negative experiences while using these approaches. In contrast, SLPs who had positive attitudes considered these interventions as 'important' and 'valuable'. Some SLPs had negative reflections on linguistic-phonological intervention as these approaches were considered demanding in terms of time needed to gain knowledge on using them in children with a CP±L (constructs 'burden' and 'opportunity costs'). Additionally, some SLPs doubted their self-efficacy to use these approaches in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The acceptability of linguistic-phonological intervention differed between the SLPs in this sample and was most likely related to their previous experiences with these linguistic-phonological approaches. It is important to increase not only the amount of scientific evidence for linguistic-phonological approaches but also the supply of evidence-based workshops and training courses on this topic. These initiatives should distribute scientific information that is translated into guidelines that are immediately applicable in clinical practice. This may potentially reduce the time-related burden that some SLPs currently experience to gain expertise in this matter. In future research, it is necessary to investigate if there exist differences in acceptability between the different types of linguistic-phonological therapy. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Linguistic-phonological speech intervention approaches are often used by SLPs to treat active or compensatory cleft speech disorders in clinical practice. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study investigated whether linguistic-phonological intervention cleft speech intervention is acceptable to SLPs. Some therapists had positive attitudes towards these approaches, while others did not. Positive attitudes were related to the successful use of these approaches in the past. If SLPs indicated having negative attitudes, these negative feelings were attributed to the limited available scientific evidence or negative experiences while using these approaches. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work Even though linguistic-phonological speech intervention approaches are being used in clinical practice, these approaches are not always considered acceptable by SLPs. Acceptability could be enhanced by increasing the amount of scientific evidence for linguistic-phonological approaches, but also by increasing the supply of workshops and training courses on this topic. These initiatives should distribute hands-on information that is immediately applicable in clinical practice. This may potentially reduce the time-related burden that some SLPs currently experience to gain expertise in this matter.

Speech-language pathologists' perceived competence in serving people with Parkinson's in India: A cross-sectional survey study.

BACKGROUND: Speech-language pathologists are often involved in the assessment and management of communication, cognition and swallowing deficits in people with Parkinson's. However, speech-language pathologists' self-perceived competency levels in serving people with Parkinson's remain elusive, especially in the Indian context where there is an increasing disability burden due to Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the challenges faced by speech-language pathologists in India to provide efficient services to this population are unidentified. AIMS: To determine speech-language pathologists' self-perceived competence and challenges faced when providing services to people with Parkinson's in India. METHODS & PROCEDURES: A survey questionnaire was sent to speech-language pathologists through emails and social media asking them questions to evaluate self-perceived competency in serving people with Parkinson's and to identify the challenges to their service delivery. A total of 69 speech-language pathologists responded to the survey. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: The majority of respondents reported to be competent in dealing with various domains of assessment and management of people with Parkinson's. Although competent, they reportedly faced a few challenges during their service delivery. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: This study provides an insight into the speech-language pathologists' self-perceived competency in serving people with Parkinson's in India, and also identifies the challenges related to interprofessional service delivery. The findings of the study have educational and clinical implications. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: The study delineates speech-language pathologists' self-perceived competency in working with people with Parkinson's in India, a nation that is seeing a constant rise in the incidence of Parkinson's disease. The study the unique challenges within India to speech-language pathologists' service delivery for people with Parkinson's, thus having educational and clinical implications in Parkinson's disease care.

Clinical practice patterns of speech-language pathologists for screening and identifying dysphagia.

PURPOSE: To identify how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States are screening for and identifying dysphagia. To do this, we examined the approaches most often used to screen for dysphagia and the influence of contextual factors such as setting, continuing education and means of staying up to date with the most current literature on screening approaches. METHOD: A web-based survey composed of 32 questions was developed and field tested for content, relevance and workflow. The survey was distributed online, via social media, online SLP forums and through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Special Interest Group 13 (swallowing disorders). One hundred and thirty-seven clinicians from the United States completed the survey and were included for analysis using descriptive statistics and linear regression modelling to assess associations of continuing education and years practicing with screening protocols and consumption of evidence. RESULTS: Respondents worked in a variety of settings, including acute care, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient rehabilitation. Most respondents worked with adult populations (88%). The most common screening protocols reported were a volume-dependent water swallow test (74%), subjective patient report (66%), and trials of solids/liquids (49%). Twenty-four percent (24%) reported using a questionnaire, the Eating Assessment Tool (80%) being most common. How clinicians consume their evidence was significantly associated with the types of screening approaches used. Continuing education hours were significantly associated with dysphagia screening protocol choice (p < 0.001) and how clinicians stayed up to date with evidence (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study provide an in-depth look at the choices clinicians are making in the field regarding how to effectively screen patients for the presence of dysphagia. Contextual factors such as evidence base consumption patterns should serve researchers to continue seeking alternative ways to share evidence with clinicians, accessibly. Associations between continuing education and protocol choice show the need for continued evidence-based and high-quality continuing education opportunities. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: This study provides an in-depth look at the choices clinicians are making in the field regarding effective dysphagia screening practices. Clinician screening choices are examined with contextual factors such as evidence base consumption patterns and continuing education. This paper increases knowledge of the most used dysphagia screening practices and context for clinicians and researchers to improve use, evidence and dissemination of best practices.

A Systematic Review of Online Speech Therapy Systems for Intervention in Childhood Speech Communication Disorders.

Currently, not all children that need speech therapy have access to a therapist. With the current international shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs), there is a demand for online tools to support SLPs with their daily tasks. Several online speech therapy (OST) systems have been designed and proposed in the literature; however, the implementation of these systems is lacking. The technical knowledge that is needed to use these programs is a challenge for SLPs. There has been limited effort to systematically identify, analyze and report the findings of prior studies. We provide the results of an extensive literature review of OST systems for childhood speech communication disorders. We systematically review OST systems that can be used in clinical settings or from home as part of a treatment program for children with speech communication disorders. Our search strategy found 4481 papers, of which 35 were identified as focusing on speech therapy programs for speech communication disorders. The features of these programs were examined, and the main findings are extracted and presented. Our analysis indicates that most systems which are designed mainly to support the SLPs adopt and use supervised machine learning approaches that are either desktop-based or mobile-phone-based applications. Our findings reveal that speech therapy systems can provide important benefits for childhood speech. A collaboration between computer programmers and SLPs can contribute to implementing useful automated programs, leading to more children having access to good speech therapy.

Addressing the Psychosocial Needs of Individuals with Communication Disorders: The Integration of Animal-Assisted Therapy within Counseling.

Individuals with speech, language, and communication disorders often present with psychosocial concerns that span the physiological, intrapersonal, and interpersonal domains of functioning. Despite this fact, the provision of counseling service by speech-language pathologist (SLP) that directly addresses clients' psychosocial needs is sparse. Research shows the primary counseling strategy used by therapists is psychoeducation, failing to effectively address the psychosocial concerns. Integrating complementary approaches to traditional counseling in SLP can enhance both the quality of therapeutic intervention and client outcomes. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the potential of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) as an adjunctive or complementary approach for counseling within SLP. A review of literature demonstrates a need for improved counseling service provision within SLP treatment, as well as the benefits of integrating AAT. A framework for how AAT intentions and techniques fit within SLP Scope of Practice counseling activities is presented, along with case examples to demonstrate how AAT can be integrated within SLP treatment. It is concluded that the integration of AAT as a complementary approach to traditional SLP counseling can enhance both the frequency of counseling services provided and clients' psychosocial outcomes.

Proactive changes in clinical practice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: Survey on use of telepractice by Quebec speech-language pathologists.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to important challenges in health and education service delivery. AIMS: The present study aimed to document: (i) changes in the use of telepractice by speech-language pathology (SLP) professionals in Quebec since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak; (ii) perceptions of the feasibility of telepractice by SLPs; (iii) barriers to the use of telepractice; and (iv) the perceptions of SLP professionals regarding the main issues of telepractice. METHODS & PROCEDURES: An online survey with closed and open, Likert scale and demographic questions was completed by 83 SLPs in Quebec in June and July 2020. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: The survey responses showed that within the cohort responding, telepractice use has increased significantly as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most respondents planned to continue using telepractice after the pandemic ends. In addition, the respondents considered telepractice to be adequate for many clinical practices but less so for others (e.g., swallowing disorders, hearing impairment). Most of the reported barriers to the use of telepractice concerned technological problems and a lack of clinical materials for online use. Confidentiality and privacy issues were also raised. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: SLP professionals rapidly took advantage of existing technologies in their clinical settings to cope with the pandemic's effects on service delivery. The discrepancy between their perceptions and the evidence in the literature for some practices and populations strengthens the need for more information and education on telepractice. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject The proportion of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Canada who use telepractice for clinical activities is unknown. Knowing this information became crucial in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic because non-essential activities were interrupted to halt the spread of the disease. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The findings from this survey study confirmed that the use of telepractice in SLP in Quebec increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the majority of the respondents began using telepractice because of the pandemic, and most planned to continue doing so after it ends. This demonstrates how SLP professionals rapidly took advantage of existing technologies in their clinical settings to cope with the pandemic's effects on service delivery. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Although the SLPs expressed an overall positive perception of telepractice, they also highlighted barriers to its optimal use. The findings of this study should help employers and regulatory bodies in Quebec to bring down those barriers and make telepractice in SLP a durable, effective and efficient service delivery model.

Clinical Practice Patterns of Speech-Language Pathologists Delivering Dysphagia Services to Persons with COPD: Analysis of Survey Outcomes.

Swallowing impairments co-occur with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) leading to aspiration, disease exacerbations, and malnutrition. This pilot survey study aimed to identify current clinical practice patterns for swallowing evaluation and treatment in persons with COPD. A 35-question Qualtrics survey was deployed to medical speech-language pathology (SLP) social media sites and professional boards; flyers were distributed at a professional conference. Forty-eight SLPs completed the study. SLPs routinely include a clinical swallow examination (96%), videofluoroscopic swallowing study (79%), adjunctive respiratory measures (respiratory rate [83%], and pulse oximetry [67%], respiratory-swallow pattern [77%]) but less frequently include fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (23%). Self-reported advanced clinical experience and expert respiratory analysis skills were associated with adjunctive respiratory measure (respiratory rate, pulse oximetry) inclusion during assessment. Compensatory strategy training (77%) is a preferred treatment for dysphagia in COPD; however, respiratory-swallow pattern training and expiratory muscle strength training are increasing in use. SLPs self-report a comprehensive, individualized patient-centered care approach with inclusion of adjunctive respiratory-focused methods in dysphagia evaluation and treatment practice in persons with COPD. Advances in the identification of the integral role of respiratory function in swallowing integrity may be translating to clinical practice methods for dysphagia management in persons with COPD.

Evaluation of a speech pathology service delivery model for patients at low dysphagia risk during radiotherapy for HNC.

PURPOSE: There are no evidence-based guidelines informing which patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) require regular speech pathology (SP) support during radiation treatment (RT). Hence, some services use a "one-size-fits-all" model, potentially over-servicing those patients at low risk for dysphagia. This study evaluated the clinical safety and efficiency of an interdisciplinary service model for patients identified prospectively as "low risk" for dysphagia during RT. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 65 patients with HNCs of the skin, thyroid, parotid, nose, and salivary glands, receiving curative RT, were managed on a low-risk pathway. Patients with baseline dysphagia (functional oral intake score ≤ 5) were excluded. The model involved dietitians conducting dysphagia screening at weeks 3, 5, and 6/7 within scheduled appointments. Patients at risk of dysphagia were referred to SP for assessment, then management if required. To validate the model, SP assessed swallow status/toxicities at week 5/6/7 during RT and confirmed dysphagia status at weeks 2 and 6 post RT. RESULTS: Most (89.3%) patients did not require dysphagia support from SP services. Of the 18 patients identified on screening, only 7 (10.7%) had sufficient issues to return to SP care. Week 5/6/7 SP review confirmed low levels of toxicity. No post-treatment dysphagia was observed. There was an incremental benefit of A$15.02 for SP staff costs and a recovery of 5.31 appointments per patient. CONCLUSION: The pathway is a safe and effective service model to manage patients with HNC at low risk for dysphagia during RT, avoiding unnecessary SP appointments for the patient and service.