Disparities in Speech Therapy for Voice Disorders Between English- and Non-English-Speaking Patients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate whether language of choice affects compliance with speech therapy for voice disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed at Kaiser Permanente Northern California to compare compliance with referrals to speech therapy for voice disorders between English- and non-English-speaking patients. Patients referred from January 2012 through December 2017 were included. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and to determine social and demographic factors affecting compliance. RESULTS: Of 7,333 patients referred to speech therapy for a voice disorder, 7,171 were identified as English speaking and 162 as non-English speaking. The two cohorts were similar in terms of gender and proportion over 65 years of age, although non-English-speaking individuals were more likely to be Hispanic or Asian than English speakers, who were more likely to be White or African American. Overall compliance was lower among non-English-speaking patients than English speakers (63% vs 74%) (P = .0011). Logistic regression showed that the need for an interpreter was significantly associated with higher noncompliance (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.11-2.18), as was age less than 65 and income less than the study aggregate median income. Being multiracial or having a voice disorder of neurologic origin was associated with better compliance. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates significant noncompliance with speech therapy for a variety of voice disorders. This problem is exacerbated for patients who do not speak English and who are younger, of lower income, or are referred for functional voice disorders. In-person interpreters or multilingual speech therapists may help to improve compliance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV Laryngoscope, 131:E2298-E2302, 2021.

Family-centeredness of services for young children with Down syndrome: an observational study from Turkey

Background/aim: Physicians require information on the family centeredness of services for children with Down syndrome, one of the most frequently encountered disabilities in childhood. We aimed to determine the family-centeredness of services for young children with Down syndrome and using a bioecological theory framework we hypothesized that child, family and service-related factors would be associated with such services. Materials and methods: In a crosssectional design, children with Down syndrome seen at Ankara University Developmental Pediatrics Division (AUDPD) between February 2020 and June 2020 were included if they had received services in the community for at least 12 months. Mothers responded to the measure of process of care-20 (MPOC-20) used to measure family centeredness. Results: All 65 eligible children were included; 57% were boys and median age was 25.0 (IQR: 18.5­38.0) months. The MPOC-20 subscale scores were highest for the "respectful and supportive care (RSC)" (median 6.0; IQR: 4.8­6.8) and lowest for the "providing specific information" (median 3.0; IQR: 4.4­6.5) subscales. On univariate analyses, maternal education

Profile of users receiving Speech-Language Therapy service at a Critical Patient Unit / Perfil de usuarios que reciben atención fonoaudiológica en una unidad de paciente crítico

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the profile of patients treated by Speech-Language therapists in a Critical Patient Unit. Methods: an ex post facto, observational and descriptive study was carried out. Monthly statistical data of patients hospitalized in the period January-December 2018 were analyzed, in the Intensive Care Unit at a public hospital. Data were described from the analysis of frequency and measures of central tendency. The distribution of the variables was determined through the skewness-kurtosis test, considering a significance level of p<0.05. Results: 217 individuals got 868 speech-language therapy services. Men (57.26%), older than 65 years old, required a more frequent intervention. The main medical diagnosis of admission to the unit corresponded to non-specific pathologies (57.14%), respiratory disease (15.21%) and cerebrovascular disease (12.79%). The speech-language therapy functions were related to the evaluation of swallowing (54.31%) and voice (32.4%). In relation to the intervention, the treatment of dysphagia (25.82%) and oral motor functions (25.04%) was predominant in the duties. Functions associated with language, speech and cognition were secondary. Conclusion: the profile of the critical patient and the speech-language therapy work in this field represent a first step to characterize the role of the speech-language therapist in Intensive Medicine teams.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir el perfil de usuarios atendidos por fonoaudiólogos en una unidad de paciente crítico. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo con temporalidad ex post facto. Se analizaron los resúmenes estadísticos mensuales de usuarios internados durante los meses de enero a diciembre de 2018, en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital público. Se describieron los datos a partir de análisis de frecuencia y medidas de tendencia central. La distribución de las variables se determinó mediante skewness-kurtosis test, considerando un nivel de significancia p<0,05. Resultados: 217 sujetos recibieron 868 atenciones fonoaudiológicas. Los hombres (57,26%) mayores de 65 años requirieron una intervención más frecuente. Los principales diagnósticos médicos de ingreso a la unidad correspondieron a patologías inespecíficas (57,14%), enfermedades respiratorias (15,21%) y cerebrovasculares (12,79%). Las funciones de fonoaudiología se relacionaron con la evaluación de la deglución (54,31%) y de la voz (32,4%). En cuanto a la intervención, el tratamiento de la disfagia (25,82%) y las funciones motoras orales (25,04%) dominaron la carga laboral. Las funciones asociadas con el lenguaje, el habla y la cognición fueron secundarias. Conclusión: el perfil del paciente crítico y las labores fonoaudiológicas en este ámbito representan un primer paso para caracterizar el rol profesional del fonoaudiólogo en el contexto de los equipos de medicina intensiva.

Activities of speech-language-hearing therapists in the Extended Family Health and Primary Care Center from the perspective of team cooperation / Atividades do fonoaudiólogo do Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família e Atenção Primária (NASF-AP) na perspectiva do apoio matricial

ABSTRACT Purpose: to describe the activities of speech-language-hearing therapists in the Extended Family Health and Primary Care Center from the perspective of team cooperation. Methods: an exploratory study with a quantitative and qualitative approach. The participants in the research were 4 speech-language-hearing therapists and 3 speech-language-hearing residents who were developing their practices in the Extended Family Health and Primary Care Center of Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil. The data were collected at two moments: The first one involved the analysis of the instrument where the activities of the speech-language-hearing therapists in the Extended Family Health and Primary Care Center were registered; in the second one, these professionals were interviewed to understand their work process in PHC, in relation to team cooperation. Results: the speech-language-hearing therapists presented an adequate understanding of the concept of team cooperation and the broad range of activities carried out, predominantly individual attention (27%) and shared group activities (18%). The need to strengthen their professional training to work with primary care and the little knowledge of the teams and population about the work of the speech-language-hearing therapists are the main challenges reported by the interviewees. To improve the work of the teams, they suggested more continuing education opportunities and more participation of the administrators in interpersonal conflict mediation. Conclusion: despite the difficulties related to professional education and the work process, the speech-language-hearing therapists in the Extended Family Health and Primary Care Center have been performing activities from the perspective of team cooperation, collaborating to the comprehensiveness and solvability of care.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever as atividades do fonoaudiólogo do Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família e Atenção Primária na perspectiva do apoio matricial. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo exploratório com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Participaram da pesquisa 4 fonoaudiólogas e 3 residentes fonoaudiólogas que desenvolviam suas práticas no NASF-AP de Vitoria de Santo Antão. A coleta de dados foi realizada em dois momentos: No primeiro foi realizada análise do instrumento de registro de atividades dos fonoaudiólogos do NASF - AP; no segundo momento foram realizadas entrevistas com estes profissionais, com o intuito de compreender o processo de trabalho do fonoaudiólogo inserido na APS, no que diz respeito ao matriciamento. Resultados: foi possível observar que os fonoaudiólogos apresentam adequada compreensão sobre o conceito de apoio matricial e amplo escopo de atividades realizadas, com predomínio de atendimentos individuais (27%) e atividades coletivas compartilhadas (18%). A necessidade de fortalecer a formação dos profissionais para atuar na atenção básica e o pouco conhecimento das equipes e população sobre atuação do fonoaudiólogo são os principais desafios relatados pelos entrevistados. Para melhorar a atuação das equipes, foi sugerido mais educação permanente e participação da gestão na mediação dos conflitos interpessoais. Conclusão: mesmo existindo dificuldades relacionadas à formação acadêmica e ao processo de trabalho, o fonoaudiólogo inserido no NASF-AP tem realizado atividades na perspectiva do apoio matricial e colaborado para integralidade e resolutividade do cuidado.

Profile of patients undergoing speech-language therapy in a physical and rehabilitation medicine hospital service / Perfil de usuarios que reciben atención fonoaudiológica en un servicio hospitalario de medicina física y rehabilitación

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the profile and risk factors of patients attended by speech therapists in a hospital service of physical and rehabilitation medicine (P&RM) of the public health system. Methods: a retrospective cohort study was carried out. The variables were summarized using frequencies, proportions, and measures of central tendency. Relative risks (RR) were estimated, using the incidence ratio (IC:95%) and the bilateral Fisher's exact test. A level of significance was considered p <0.05. Results: 23,365 speech therapy activities distributed in 8,416 sessions were carried out between September 2016 to September 2018, with patients admitted to a P&RM service. The activities focused people over 60 years in the areas of swallowing (28.6%) and cognition (11.7%). Age equal to or greater than 60 years was identified as a risk factor for admission, due to cerebrovascular disease of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.24-1.49; p = 0.001), and belonging to section B of the National Health Fund (FONASA), 1.37 (95% CI: 1.29-1.46, p = 0.001). The RR for respiratory pathology was greater in the winter period: 1.63 (95% CI: 1.50-1.76; p = 0.001). Conclusion: elderly and low-income people are more likely to need speech therapy rehabilitation in the context of P&RM service.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el perfil y factores de riesgo de usuarios atendidos por fonoaudiólogos en un servicio hospitalario de medicina física y rehabilitación (SMFyR) de la red pública de salud. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohortes retrospectivo. Las variables fueron resumidas mediante frecuencias, proporciones y medidas de tendencia central. Los riesgos relativos (RR) se estimaron mediante razón de incidencias (IC:95%) y la prueba exacta de Fisher bilateral. Se consideró un nivel de significancia p<0,05. Resultados: 23.365 prestaciones fonoaudiológicas distribuidas en 8416 sesiones se realizaron entre los meses de septiembre de los años 2016 y 2018, en un SMFyR. Las prestaciones se concentraron en personas mayores de 60 años en las áreas de la deglución (28,6%) y cognición (11,7%). Se identificó como factor de riesgo para ingreso por enfermedad cerebrovascular la edad igual o superior a 60 años 1,36 (IC., 95%: 1,24-1,49; p = 0,001) y pertenecer al tramo B del fondo nacional de salud 1,37 (IC., 95%: 1,29-1,46; p =0,001). El RR por patología respiratoria fue mayor en el periodo invernal 1.63 (IC., 95%: 1,50-1,76; p= 0,001). Conclusión: las personas mayores y de bajos ingresos presentan mayor riesgo de requerir rehabilitación fonoaudiológica en el contexto de un SMFyR.

A retrospective review of speech-language therapy services provided to adult inpatients at a central-level hospital in Gauteng, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The quadruple burden of disease (BoD) and multimorbidity reflected in South Africa's public health sector challenges speech-language therapists (SLTs) to optimise patient management in this context. For planning and delivery of appropriate services, it is important to understand the profile of speech-language therapy (SLT) patients and the public healthcare services provided by SLTs. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of inpatient adult speech, language and swallowing disorders associated with various medical conditions and South Africa's BoD, in addition to the target areas and duration of SLT interventions provided at a central public hospital. METHOD: A retrospective review was conducted on records of 2549 adult inpatients who received SLT services between January 2014 and December 2015 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Data, including demographics, medical and SLT diagnoses, and treatment recommendations, were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were most prevalent (77.48%), with multimorbidity of BoD categories in 29.27% of patients. Cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) comprised 52.45% patients, with CeVD, traumatic brain injury, other neurological conditions, cancer and burns comprising 88.74% patients. More than a third of the patients with CeVD were 56 years (n = 486; 36.35%). Dysphagia (48.96%), aphasia (30.95%) and dysarthria (23.62%) were the most common, with 44.68% of patients having multiple SLT diagnoses. The number of SLT sessions significantly correlated with SLT comorbidity (rs = 0.4200; p = 0.0000), but not BoD comorbidity (rs = 0.0049; p = 0.8058). CONCLUSION: Speech-language therapy patients reflected a heavy NCD burden and multimorbidity. Provision of SLT services should take into consideration a profile of increased complexity of medical conditions and SLT diagnoses.

Association Between Adherence to Quality Indicators and 7-Day In-Hospital Mortality After Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Quality indicators (QI) are an accepted tool to measure performance of hospitals in routine care. We investigated the association between quality of acute stroke care defined by overall adherence to evidence-based QI and early outcome in German acute care hospitals. METHODS: Patients with ischemic stroke admitted to one of the hospitals cooperating within the ADSR (German Stroke Register Study Group) were analyzed. The ADSR is a voluntary network of 9 regional stroke registers monitoring quality of acute stroke care across 736 hospitals in Germany. Quality of stroke care was defined by adherence to 11 evidence-based indicators of early processes of stroke care. The correlation between overall adherence to QI with outcome was investigated by assessing the association between 7-day in-hospital mortality with the proportion of QI fulfilled from the total number of QI the individual patient was eligible for. Generalized linear mixed model analysis was performed adjusted for the variables age, sex, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and living will and as random effect for the variable hospital. RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2016, 388 012 patients with ischemic stroke were reported (median age 76 years, 52.4% male). Adherence to distinct QI ranged between 41.0% (thrombolysis in eligible patients) and 95.2% (early physiotherapy). Seven-day in-hospital mortality was 3.4%. The overall proportion of QI fulfilled was median 90% (interquartile range, 75%-100%). In multivariable analysis, a linear association between overall adherence to QI and 7-day in-hospital-mortality was observed (odds ratio adherence <50% versus 100%, 12.7 [95% CI, 11.8-13.7]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher quality of care measured by adherence to a set of evidence-based process QI for the early phase of stroke treatment was associated with lower in-hospital mortality.

The French Cochlear Implant Registry (EPIIC): Perception and language results in infants with cochlear implantation under the age of 24 months.

OBJECTIVE: Multi-centre study of the National French Registry (EPIIC) of patients with cochlear implants, focusing on infants who were operated-on under the age of 24 months between 2012 and 2016. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 615 profoundly deaf infants, who received cochlear implants (CIs) before their second birthday, were included in the registry by different CI centers. Epidemiological, surgical, speech therapy and school, follow-up data were included in the registry, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months thereafter. The following parameters were studied: type of implantation (uni- or bilateral), complications, cause of deafness, category of auditory perception (CAP), Open-set word recognition score (OSW), speech intelligibility rating, lexical comprehension with EVIP (Peabody), communication mode and type of schooling. Bilateral simultaneous CI (BiCI) and unilateral CI (UniCI) groups were compared. RESULTS: There were 744 implantations. The explantation-reimplantation rate, within the four-year follow-up, was just 3.6%. Mean implantation age was 16.0 months, and similar in the two groups (BiCI/UniCI). A total of 51% of children had their first implant between 12 and 18 months, and 15% before 12 months. Implantation was unilateral in 52% of cases. Fifty-six percent of the bilateral procedures were sequential, with a mean delay of 16.8 months for the second implantation. The cause of deafness was unknown in 52% of cases. Of the 48% (297/615) of attributed cases, 32% had clear genetic causes. The remaining deafness was due to cytomegalovirus (CMV, 8%), inner-ear malformation (5%) and meningitis (3%). The main complications were from infections (47%) and internal device failure (25%). Four years post-operation, 84% of the UniCI and 75% of BiCl groups had a CAP≥5, and 83% of UniCl and 100% BiCI had OSW≥80%. Furthermore 74% of UniCI and 77% of BiCI communicated orally and 85% of UniCI and 90% of BiCI integrated into mainstream schooling. CONCLUSION: The French Registry of cochlear implants (EPIIC) is the only such national registry in the world. Our analysis illustrates the immediate benefits of, either single or double, cochlear implantation for language, perception skills and schooling.

Motivational Strategies for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Delphi Study.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to provide a list of effective motivational strategies based on consensus among rehabilitation experts, generated using the Delphi technique. The secondary objective was to identify the types of information that are important when selecting motivational strategies. DESIGN: Delphi study. SETTING: On-site survey at academic conferences and web-based survey. PARTICIPANTS: Rehabilitation experts (N=198) including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language-hearing therapists who had worked in stroke rehabilitation for at least 5 years. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Panelists were asked to rate the effectiveness of motivational strategies and to rate the importance of different types of information using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined as having been reached for items with an interquartile range of 1 or less. RESULTS: A total of 116 experts (58.6%) completed the third round of the Delphi survey. Consensus was reached on all of the 26 presented strategies. Seven strategies, such as control of task difficulty and goal setting, were considered to be very effective in increasing patient motivation. In addition, all 11 of the presented types of information regarding patient health status, environmental factors, and personal factors were deemed very important or important in determining which motivational strategies to use. CONCLUSIONS: We generated a list of effective motivational strategies for stroke rehabilitation based on expert consensus. Our results suggest that experts consider a comprehensive range of patient information when choosing motivational strategies. These findings represent a group of consensus-based recommendations for increasing patient adherence to stroke rehabilitation programs, which may be beneficial to many medical professionals working in stroke rehabilitation.

Dysphagia following non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage: A prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Whilst dysphagia is a commonly reported complication of stroke, it has received relatively little attention in the literature for patients following non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). AIMS: To investigate dysphagia incidence, risk factors, clinical progression and recovery in patients following non-traumatic SAH. METHODS & PROCEDURES: A prospective cohort study of 49 patients admitted to a tertiary neurosurgical referral unit with non-traumatic SAH over a 12-month period was conducted. Swallowing function was assessed by a speech-language pathologist within 72 h of medical stability and monitored throughout the acute inpatient admission. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Dysphagia incidence was 16.33% (n = 8/49). Risk factors associated with dysphagia included; Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission, need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of ICU stay, need for intubation and ventilation, and hydrocephalus. Participants with dysphagia were admitted to hospital 1.9 times longer than those without dysphagia (p < 0.05) and were more likely to be transferred to another inpatient facility for ongoing care (p < 0.05). Dysphagia remained present at hospital discharge for over half (62.5%) of participants who developed this complication. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: Care pathways for patients admitted to hospital with non-traumatic SAH should include early screening for dysphagia risk. Further research using a larger prospective cohort is required to validate dysphagia incidence and risk factors in this patient cohort. What this paper adds What is already known on this subject Dysphagia is a negative complication following non-traumatic SAH, and can occur as a result of primary injury or secondary to treatment complications (e.g., intubation and ventilation, surgical intervention). However, limited evidence regarding its incidence, risk factors, clinical progression and recovery in a prospective cohort exists. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study is the first to examine prospectively patients with non-traumatic SAH within 72 h of medical stability. It identifies dysphagia incidence, risk factors, clinical characteristics and recovery during the acute hospital admission for this patient cohort. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Early and regular screening for dysphagia in the presence of associated risk factors is essential for patients admitted with non-traumatic SAH. Speech-language pathologist resources in the neurocritical care context should be available to support the assessment and management of dysphagia in this cohort.

Sustainable workforce: South African Audiologists and Speech Therapists.

BACKGROUND: Audiologists and Speech Therapists play a vital role in addressing sustainable development goals by supporting people who are marginalised due to communication challenges. The global burden of disease and poor social living conditions impact negatively on the development of healthy communication, therefore requiring the services of Audiologist and Speech therapists. Against this background, we examined the demographic profile and the supply, need and shortfall of Audiologists and Speech Therapists in South Africa. METHODS: The data set was drawn from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) registers (for 2002-2017) for the speech, language and hearing professions. This demographic profile of the professions was created based on the category of health personnel; category of practice, geographical location, population group (race) and sex. The annual supply was estimated from the HPCSA database while the service-target approach was used to estimate need. Additional need based on National Health Insurance Bill was also included. Supply-need gaps were forecast according to three scenarios, which varied according to the future intensity of policy intervention to increase occupancy of training places: 'best guess' (no intervention), 'optimistic' (feasible intervention), and 'aspirational' (significant intervention) scenarios up to 2030. RESULTS: Most (i.e. 1548, 47.4%) of the professionals are registered as Audiologists and Speech Therapists, followed by 33.5% registered as Speech Therapists and 19.1% registered as Audiologists. Around 88.5% professionals registered as Audiologists and Speech Therapists are practising independently, and 42.6% are practising in the Gauteng province. The profession is comprised majorly of women (94.6%), and in terms of the population groups (race), they are mainly classified as white (59.7%). In 2017, in best guess scenario, there is a supply-need gap of around 2800 professionals. In the absence of any intervention to increase supply capacity, this shortfall will remain same by the year 2030. By contrast, in aspirational scenario, i.e. supply is increased by 300%, the forecasted shortfall for 2030 reduces to 2300 from 2800 professionals. CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that without significant interventions, South Africa is likely to have a critical shortfall of Audiologists and Speech Therapists in 2030. Policy-makers will have to carefully examine issues surrounding the current framework regulating training of these and associated professionals, in order to respond adequately to future requirements.

Factors influencing the amount of therapy received during inpatient stroke care: an analysis of data from the UK Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme.

OBJECTIVES: To understand why most stroke patients receive little therapy. We investigated the factors associated with the amount of stroke therapy delivered. METHODS: Data regarding adults admitted to hospital with stroke for at least 72 hours (July 2013-July 2015) were extracted from the UK's Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme. Descriptive statistics and multilevel mixed effects regression models explored the factors that influenced the amount of therapy received while adjusting for confounding. RESULTS: Of the 94,905 patients in the study cohort (mean age: 76 (SD: 13.2) years, 78% had a mild or moderate severity stroke. In all, 92% required physiotherapy, 87% required occupational therapy, 57% required speech therapy but only 5% were considered to need psychology. The average amount of therapy ranged from 2 minutes (psychology) to 14 minutes (physiotherapy) per day of inpatient stay. Unmodifiable characteristics (such as stroke severity) dominated the variation in the amount of therapy. However important, modifiable organizational factors were the day and time of admission, type of stroke team, timely therapy assessments, therapy and nursing staffing levels (qualified and support staff), and presence of weekend or early supported discharge services. CONCLUSION: The amount of stroke therapy is associated with unmodifiable patient-related characteristics and modifiable organizational factors in that more therapy was associated with higher therapy and nurse staffing levels, specialist stroke rehabilitation services, timely therapy assessments, and the presence of weekend and early discharge services.

Utilization of speech-language, occupational and physical therapy by diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Although Medicaid coverage of treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is expanding, we know little about when children receive speech-language, occupational and/or physical therapy. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between predisposing, enabling and need characteristics and utilization of speech-language, occupational and physical therapy by diagnosis of ASD. METHODS: We integrated administrative, Medicaid and Census data using a large sample of children with ASD who enrolled in a 1915(c) Home and Community Based Medicaid waiver in a south-eastern state (N = 1,968) to explore (1) the percent of treatment utilization by ASD diagnosis, (2) the type of therapy utilized and (3) the predisposing, enabling and need characteristics associated with utilization. RESULTS: The percent of utilization was 71%; 65.8% utilized SLT, 33.4% utilized OT and 18.4% utilized PT. Enabling (i.e., urbanicity, age of diagnosis and early intervention programme enrolment) and need (i.e., intellectual disability) characteristics were associated with utilization whereas predisposing social characteristics (i.e., sex and child race-ethnicity and neighbourhood racial composition, poverty and affluence) were not associated with utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the value in monitoring when children begin treatment. As governments in the United States and globally work to maximize children's potential, additional research that can inform efforts to facilitate earlier utilization will be key to promoting optimal outcomes.

Access and use of speech-language therapy services in Porto Alegre, Brazil: a population-based study. / Acesso e uso de serviços de Fonoaudiologia em Porto Alegre, Brasil: estudo populacional.

To estimate the prevalence of access and use of speech-language therapy services and identify the variables associated with access. Cross-sectional population-based study. The sample consisted of adult individuals living in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. The data were collected using an instrument constructed with domains of national research questionnaires, with a module on speech-language therapy. The outcome was the access to a speech-language therapist. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to calculate Prevalence Ratios with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 214 people participated in the study, of which 67.3% (n = 144) were female. The mean age was 54.28 (SD±18.83) years. Fifty-six (26.2%) people mentioned the need for speech-language therapy consultation. All 56 subjects were able to perform speech-language therapy, of which 69.4% (n = 39) in private practice and 19.6% (n=11) used healthcare insurance plans at partnering providers. In the final model, the highest prevalence of access was associated with female (PR=1.09,95%CI1.01-1.18) and had some deficiency (PR = 1.09,95%CI1.03-1.17). Access to a speech-language therapist is more frequent in private services. It is observed that women and the disabled individuals have a higher prevalence of access to speech-language therapist.

O objetivo deste artigo é estimar a prevalência de acesso e uso dos serviços de Fonoaudiologia e identificar as variáveis associadas ao acesso. Estudo transversal de base populacional. A amostra foi composta de indivíduos adultos residentes em Porto Alegre/RS. Os dados foram coletados a partir de um instrumento construído com domínios de questionários de pesquisas nacionais, com um módulo sobre Fonoaudiologia. O desfecho estudado foi o acesso ao fonoaudiólogo. Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi utilizada para cálculo de Razões de Prevalência com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Aceitaram participar deste estudo 214 pessoas, das quais 67,3% (n = 144) eram do sexo feminino. A média de idade foi de 54,28 (±18,83) anos. Referiram necessidade de consulta fonoaudiológica 56 (26,2%) pessoas. Todos os 56 indivíduos conseguiram realizar atendimento fonoaudiológico, dos quais 69,4% (n = 39) em consultório particular e 19,6% (n = 11) em consultório conveniado ao plano de saúde. No modelo final, maior prevalência de acesso foi associada ao sexo feminino (RP = 1,09; IC95% 1,01-1,18) e possuir alguma deficiência (RP = 1,09; IC95% 1,03-1,17). O acesso ao fonoaudiólogo é mais frequente de forma privada. Observa-se que as mulheres e deficientes possuem maior prevalência de acesso ao fonoaudiólogo.

Acesso e uso de serviços de Fonoaudiologia em Porto Alegre, Brasil: estudo populacional / Access and use of speech-language therapy services in Porto Alegre, Brazil: a population-based study

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é estimar a prevalência de acesso e uso dos serviços de Fonoaudiologia e identificar as variáveis associadas ao acesso. Estudo transversal de base populacional. A amostra foi composta de indivíduos adultos residentes em Porto Alegre/RS. Os dados foram coletados a partir de um instrumento construído com domínios de questionários de pesquisas nacionais, com um módulo sobre Fonoaudiologia. O desfecho estudado foi o acesso ao fonoaudiólogo. Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi utilizada para cálculo de Razões de Prevalência com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Aceitaram participar deste estudo 214 pessoas, das quais 67,3% (n = 144) eram do sexo feminino. A média de idade foi de 54,28 (±18,83) anos. Referiram necessidade de consulta fonoaudiológica 56 (26,2%) pessoas. Todos os 56 indivíduos conseguiram realizar atendimento fonoaudiológico, dos quais 69,4% (n = 39) em consultório particular e 19,6% (n = 11) em consultório conveniado ao plano de saúde. No modelo final, maior prevalência de acesso foi associada ao sexo feminino (RP = 1,09; IC95% 1,01-1,18) e possuir alguma deficiência (RP = 1,09; IC95% 1,03-1,17). O acesso ao fonoaudiólogo é mais frequente de forma privada. Observa-se que as mulheres e deficientes possuem maior prevalência de acesso ao fonoaudiólogo.

Abstract To estimate the prevalence of access and use of speech-language therapy services and identify the variables associated with access. Cross-sectional population-based study. The sample consisted of adult individuals living in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. The data were collected using an instrument constructed with domains of national research questionnaires, with a module on speech-language therapy. The outcome was the access to a speech-language therapist. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to calculate Prevalence Ratios with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 214 people participated in the study, of which 67.3% (n = 144) were female. The mean age was 54.28 (SD±18.83) years. Fifty-six (26.2%) people mentioned the need for speech-language therapy consultation. All 56 subjects were able to perform speech-language therapy, of which 69.4% (n = 39) in private practice and 19.6% (n=11) used healthcare insurance plans at partnering providers. In the final model, the highest prevalence of access was associated with female (PR=1.09,95%CI1.01-1.18) and had some deficiency (PR = 1.09,95%CI1.03-1.17). Access to a speech-language therapist is more frequent in private services. It is observed that women and the disabled individuals have a higher prevalence of access to speech-language therapist.

Health-related quality of life, service utilization and costs of low language: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Low language (LL) is a common childhood condition affecting 7-17% of children. It is associated with life-long adverse outcomes and can affect various aspects of a child's life. However, the literature on its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), service use and costs are limited. To date, there has been no systematic review of the overall economic burden of LL. A systematic review regarding the economic burden of LL is important for clinical, educational, policy decision-making and theoretical aspects. We adopted the term 'low language' to refer to children whose language performance falls below well-recognized cut-points regardless of known or unknown aetiology. AIMS: To review the literature systematically on how LL is associated with HRQoL, service utilization and costs. METHODS & PROCEDURES: A systematic search was conducted across various databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, up to July 2017. Data on study design, population and outcomes were extracted and screened by two pairs of reviewers with the revision of other experts in the panel on any discrepancies. The Effective Public Health Practice Project tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. The findings of the included studies were summarized in a narrative synthesis. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: We identified 22 relevant articles, of which 12 reported HRQoL and 11 reported service utilization and costs associated with LL. Preference-based instruments, which include the relative importance attached to different aspects of HRQoL, were less employed in the literature. Most studies found poorer HRQoL in children with LL compared with their peers. About half the families having children with LL did not actively seek professional help, and many families felt they did not receive sufficient services when needed. Healthcare costs associated with LL were substantial. Non-healthcare costs were largely unexplored. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: LL was associated with reduced children's HRQoL, higher service use and costs. Under-servicing was evident in children with LL. LL also imposed large costs on the healthcare system. Further research is required to examine (1) the overall HRQoL of children with LL, in particular studies using and testing the performance of preference-based instruments; and (2) the service use and costs specific to LL, especially non-healthcare costs.

Epilepsy: knowledge and attitudes of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists play a key role in the treatment of children with epilepsy. We performed a survey of therapists' knowledge of and attitudes towards epilepsy in two regions of Germany, the city of Leipzig and the rural district of Zwickau. Therapists of 29/68 (43%) outpatient practices and 4/9 (44%) hospitals took part. In total, 195 therapists participated: 63 (32%) physiotherapists, 74 (38%) occupational therapists, and 58 (30%) speech therapist. In 65%, epilepsy was subject of vocational training. Of all therapists, 8% claimed they had not treated epilepsy patients so far. During professional life, 43% had witnessed a seizure. Of all therapists, 44% correctly assumed a seizure could result in death. During a seizure, 42% would perform the obsolete measure of placing something solid in the patient's mouth, and 41% would administer a prescribed rescue medication. More information on epilepsy was requested by 92%.Conclusion: Most therapists treat patients with epilepsy, and almost half have already witnessed a seizure. Often, however, epilepsy is not subject of vocational training. The risk of a fatal outcome of a seizure is underestimated, and many therapists would perform obsolete measures. Knowledge of seizure management should be transmitted to therapists especially during vocational training.

Patients With Greater Stroke Severity and Premorbid Disability Are Less Likely to Receive Therapist Consultations and Intervention During Acute Care Hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: A substantial number of patients with stroke never receive acute care therapy services, despite the fact that therapy after stroke reduces the odds of death and disability and improves patients' functioning. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of and factors associated with receipt of therapist consultations and interventions during acute care hospitalization following ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. DESIGN: This was a single-center longitudinal observational study. METHODS: Adults with a diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (N = 1366) were enrolled during their hospitalization in an acute stroke center in a large metropolitan area. The main outcomes were receipt of therapist consultations, interventions, or both. RESULTS: Participants with acute hemorrhagic stroke (intracerebral: odds ratio [OR] = 0.34 [95% CI = 0.19-0.60]; subarachnoid: OR = 0.52 [95% CI = 0.28-0.99]) and with greater stroke severity by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (NIHSS score of > 15: OR = 0.34 [95% CI = 0.23-0.51]) were less likely to receive therapist consultations. Participants with moderate stroke severity (NIHSS score of 6-15: OR = 1.43 [95% CI = 1.01-2.33]) were more likely to receive therapy interventions. Those who were able to ambulate before admission were more than 5 times as likely to receive therapy interventions (OR = 5.08 [95% CI = 1.91-13.52]). Also, participants with longer lengths of stay (ie, more intensive care unit and non-intensive care unit days) were more likely to receive therapist consultations and interventions. Tests or procedures were the most common reasons for unsuccessful attempts to complete therapist consultations. LIMITATIONS: Lack of operational and qualitative data prohibited detailed explorations of barriers to delivery of therapist consultations and interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 4 participants with acute stroke received neither a consultation nor an intervention. Efforts to improve the delivery of acute care therapy services are needed to optimize care for these people.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Autism-Related Health and Educational Services.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to measure racial and ethnic disparities in autism-related services among U.S. children with parent-reported autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: Using the 2011 Survey of Pathways to Diagnosis and Services, we analyzed parent-reported data on 1420 children with current ASD in the nationally representative sample. An estimation method consistent with the Institute of Medicine's definition of health care disparities is used to measure racial and ethnic disparities. RESULTS: The findings revealed Latino-white disparities in the percentage of children currently using school-based occupational and physical therapy and Latino-white and "other race"-white disparities in the percentage of children using physical therapy outside of school. There were no statistically significant black-white disparities. Instead, the study found that the percentage of black children with ASD receiving school-based services was 8 points higher than that of white children (p < 0.04). Factors unrelated to the need for autism services were largely unassociated with the receipt of services. CONCLUSION: The findings provide a partial baseline and identify a need for further examination of the source of existing disparities and the lack of disparities found for specific services and minority groups.

Ancillary Service Utilization and Impact in Huntington's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Prior Huntington's disease (HD) studies suggest ancillary services improve motor symptoms, cognition, mood, and quality of life but frequency of use and clinicalcharacteristics are unclear. OBJECTIVE: Describe ancillary service utilization in a cohort of individuals with HD and determine which participant characteristics are associated with ancillary service utilization. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of Enroll-HD database. Participants were grouped by therapy: physical and/or occupational (PT/OT), psychotherapy and/or counseling (PC), speech and/or swallowing (ST). We performed bivariate comparisons analysis of demographic and disease characteristics between those with/without each therapy and to analyze one-year mean change in assessment scores. RESULTS: Of 4751 participants, 1537 (32.35%) utilized therapies (11.82% PT/OT, 5.33% PC, 3.01% ST, 1.98% all three, 10.21% two therapies). PT/OT participants had worse motor and functional scores: mean UHDRS motor score (41.17 vs. 38.05, p = 0.002), median total functional capacity score (TFC) (8.00 vs. 9.00, p < 0.001). PC participants had worse mood but better cognitive and functional scores: median depression score (7.00 vs. 2.00, p < 0.001), median MMSE (28.00 vs. 26.00, p < 0.001), median TFC (10.00 vs. 8.00, p < 0.001). ST participants had more dysarthria, and worse cognitive and functional scores: dysarthria (32.2% vs. 20.1% p < 0.001), mean correct Symbol Digit Modality Test (16.79 vs. 23.27, p < 0.001), median TFC (6.00 vs. 9.00, p < 0.001). Over one year, PC participants' depression scores improved compared to untreated (- 1.24 vs. - 0.11, p = 0.040). ST participants' depression scores worsened (1.14 vs. - 0.23, p = 0.044). Mean change in TFC was not significant for any therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Only 32% of Enroll-HD site participants received ancillary services. Use correlated with expected clinical characteristics, though impact of use remains unclear.