Survey of Voice-Focused Speech-Language Pathologists’ Usage of the Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V)

Abstract

PurposeAs part of the process of developing specific recommendations for modifying certain elements of the Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V)to promote end-user fidelity, the authors sought input from voice clinicians who regularly use the CAPE-V to assess voice quality. MethodAt an academic meeting focusing on voice disorders, we presented a poster briefly reviewing the CAPE-V protocol and describing several sources of variability that have been reported in its current use. Interested viewers were directed to a QR code linking to a brief, anonymous survey on how individuals currently use the CAPE-V and how they might improve it. A link to the survey was also distributed on the conference discussion board. ResultsFifty-nine participants responded to the survey; 49 completed it. The median respondent reported 8 years of experience conducting voice evaluations, with 50% of their current practice in voice, and about 8 voice evaluations per week. Key findings from this survey were that fewer than half of respondents reported audio recording any components of in-person or virtual voice evaluations, and that most respondents reported changing some aspect of the CAPE-V tasks and stimuli in practice. ConclusionThis exploratory study revealed a wide range of idiosyncratic practices by clinicians when administering and scoring the CAPE-V. Findings support planned revisions to the CAPE-V protocol and form involving the tasks, stimuli and rating procedures.