Patient, Parent, and Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceptions of Pediatric Voice Therapy Through Interviews.

Abstract

Voice therapy is heavily reliant on patient adherence for success, and patient perceptions are an important piece of understanding adherence. Patient perceptions of voice therapy have not been studied in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to examine patient, parent, and speech-language pathologists' experiences and perceptions of voice therapy and how they reflect barriers to and facilitators of adherence to therapy. Participants took part in semistructured interviews, which were transcribed, and content analysis was completed using established qualitative methods of content analysis to identify themes and subthemes related to voice therapy adherence. Thirty-four voice therapy patients (of ages 4-18) and their parents and 5 pediatric speech-language pathologists were included in the study. Seven primary themes with multiple subthemes were identified. The primary themes identified were as follows: (a) voice therapy is fun, (b) voice therapy is easy, (c) voice therapy is worthwhile, (d) the clinician-patient match matters, (e) support systems are helpful, (f) fitting it in, and (g) changing behavior is hard. Adherence to voice therapy in pediatric populations is complex and depends on multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Identification of themes related to adherence in voice therapy should serve to assist clinicians in planning therapy and in developing treatment programs.