Speech-language Pathology Practice Research Articles

Augmentative and alternative communication: the experience of Malaysian speech-language pathologists and caregivers of individuals with aphasia

ABSTRACT Background Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) serves as a compensatory intervention approach for individuals with aphasia and is often introduced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) after outcomes from restorative approaches plateau. Communication partners (i.e., caregivers) have a pivotal role in ensuring the successful use of AAC by adults with aphasia. Despite there being a large body of research on the use of AAC by adults with aphasia little is known about the experience of caregivers of individuals with aphasia who use AAC in supporting its use. Aims This study conducted in Malaysia was aimed to (a) explore the practices of Malaysian SLPs when introducing AAC to adults with acquired communication disorders (ACD) including aphasia and (b) describe the experience of caregivers regarding the use of AAC by adults with aphasia under their care. Method & Procedures This mixed-methods study had two phases. In Phase 1, a survey was distributed to 200 SLPs throughout Malaysia. Thirty-seven SLPs who met the inclusion criteria of having a caseload of more than 80% adults and at least 20% adults with aphasia responded to the survey and provided information about their use of AAC. For Phase 2, eight caregivers of adults with aphasia who had been introduced to AAC were interviewed to obtain information about their experience using AAC. Outcomes & Results Findings from Phase 1 indicated that Malaysian SLPs most often introduced unaided and low-tech AAC to adults with ACD (including aphasia). Most of them felt that they lacked knowledge and skills in the provision of AAC services to adults and hoped for more training. Three themes emerged from the qualitative content analysis conducted on interview transcripts from Phase 2: (a) the positive impact of the use of AAC, (b) challenges faced when using AAC, and (c) hopes for the future. The findings of this study suggest that both SLPs and caregivers recognize the importance of AAC for adults with ACD including aphasia and need to work together closely to promote inclusion of adults with aphasia who use AAC and acceptance of AAC as a form of aphasia rehabilitation.

Examining the Family-Centeredness of Speech-Language Pathologists Working With Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Family-professional partnerships are important for youth learning to use aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This study examined the family-oriented beliefs and practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with preschool and school-aged children learning to use aided AAC (aged 3-21 years), specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were 25 SLPs who participated in an individual semistructured interview. Qualitative analysis was used to identify and describe groups of SLPs based on commonalities and differences in their beliefs and practices working with families. The characteristics of SLPs in each group was also explored descriptively (e.g., race/ethnicity, work setting, caseload). SLPs clustered into three groups based on their beliefs and practices: (a) professionally centered, (b) family-allied, and (c) family-focused. SLPs varied across these groups in how they planned services, offered training/coaching, communicated, shared resources, offered emotional support, and adapted to and with different families. Findings indicate the need to support greater family-centeredness in AAC services by building on the strengths of SLPs in the field. Promoting strong family-professional partnerships could in turn improve outcomes for students who use AAC. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25044125.

Designing a Module on Stuttering and Cluttering: A Guide for Speech-Language Pathology Educators.

Due to the scope of practice of speech-language pathology (SLP) expanding considerably in recent times, there is reduced emphasis on certain communication conditions within the curricula of SLP university programs. Stuttering and cluttering are neglected components of such curricula, despite the complex clinical skill set required to work with these client groups. Evaluation of the content and quality of modules on stuttering and cluttering is warranted to ensure that SLP students are graduating with adequate competence and confidence for supporting people with these conditions. This tutorial, based on a review of the literature, aims to provide guidance to educators who are designing or revising such modules. The All Ireland Society for Higher Education (AISHE) model for module design provides a practical and theoretically underpinned guide to educators in higher education on the design of a new module or the review of an existing one. The model's seven key components are discussed, and their application to a module on stuttering and cluttering is outlined. The AISHE model provides a systematic and user-friendly approach to module design in SLP university programs. It supports educators who are designing a new module or revising a module currently being taught on stuttering and cluttering. Educators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the seven components of the AISHE model and to use it as a tool to design or revise modules on stuttering and cluttering. This will ensure that SLP students are graduating with increased competence and confidence in working with these client groups.

Patient Characteristics and Treatment Patterns for Speech-Language Pathology Services in Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care has historically been influenced by systemic issues that could impact speech-language pathology (SLP) service provision. However, there has been little study specifically on factors associated with SLP service provision in SNFs. Large administrative data sets are rarely analyzed in SLP research but can be used to understand real-world SLP services. This study investigated associations between patient and facility characteristics and SLP services. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with SLP service provision in 2018 Medicare administrative data representing 833,653 beneficiaries. Beneficiaries had higher odds of receiving SLP services when they had neurologic diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.32), had SLP-related functional impairments (ORs = 1.19-3.41), and received other rehabilitative services (ORs = 3.11-3.78). Beneficiaries had lower odds of receiving SLP services when they received care from SNFs located in hospitals versus freestanding (OR = 0.45), with need for interpreter services (OR = 0.76) and with thresholding (OR = 0.68), a financially motivated practice. Direction of association varied across racial and ethnic groups and measures of location. Odds of being provided SLP services decreased with increasing communication impairment severity. The results suggest that clinicians are identifying patients with diagnoses most likely to warrant SLP services. However, association disparities and weakening association of service provision with increasing impairment severity have concerning clinical implications. Health services research methods can be used to further explore SLP practices in SNFs to support equitable service provision.

Status of prosody in the practices of speech-language pathologists in France: A survey on theoretical and clinical dimensions

PurposeMany populations in the scope of speech and language pathologists (SLPs) are at risk of prosodic disorders that can impact communicative ability. While a few studies have examined the importance of prosody in the clinical practice of English-speaking SLPs, there is a lack of similar research in non-English-speaking countries. The current study aimed to establish an overview of the situation in France and to determine factors that might be associated with assessing and treating prosody. MethodWe collected data about the theoretical and clinical dimensions related to prosody from SLPs in France using an online survey. ResultsOne hundred and twenty-eight valid responses were analyzed. Results suggest that both emotional and linguistic prosodies are examined by SLPs. Some aspects of prosody seem to be mastered better than others. While they are aware of the major prosodic difficulties in various pathologies and their negative impact, most SLPs in France rarely or never assess prosody. They feel more uncomfortable with it than with other speech-language domains and often do not consider it as a therapeutic target. Importantly, the perception of prosody as a therapeutic tool is associated with the frequency of assessing and addressing prosodic impairment. ConclusionsFurther studies should focus on identifying the factors that could improve practices and developing comprehensive assessment tools and evidence-based intervention methods in French. Providing better training in prosody and setting up more collaborations between SLPs and researchers in linguistics and psycholinguistics would be keys in developing this field.

Go Beyond Compliance: Use Individualized Education Programs to Answer Strategic Questions and Improve Programs.

The most significant document to ensure effective and compliant design, implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of a program of special education services in the United States is the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Although IEPs have been used to document procedural compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for individual students, IEPs also provide extensive data that can and should be used by a variety of stakeholders including speech-language pathologists (SLPs), school administrators, and state education agencies to design targeted professional development and collectively improve programs, processes, and outcomes in special education. We summarize existing literature on the use of IEP data and describe opportunities to use IEP data to analyze individual student service patterns and SLP practice patterns. Aggregated IEP data also provide a robust view of district-wide and state trends in eligibility rates and least restrictive environment settings. Information on current and potential IEP data uses, reflection questions for substantive compliance, and lessons learned from a large-scale analysis of IEP data are provided. These lessons include potential software adjustments to enhance usability as a data source for substantive compliance; program improvement; and monitoring individual, school-wide, and district-wide outcomes. IEP data are a rich data source of information that may be used to (a) identify trends; (b) assist schools, districts, and states with ensuring substantive compliance with IDEA; (c) examine service equity and efficacy; (d) identify professional development needs; and (e) identify promising practices and provide opportunities to use real-time data to improve models and address public policy.

Vocabulary Selection and Implementation in Vocabulary Interventions for Speech-Generating Devices: A Scoping Review

Purpose: Intervention studies contribute to evidence-based practice in speech-language pathology. With individuals who use speech-generating devices (SGDs), it is important to determine what vocabulary to teach during intervention. However, it is unclear whether researchers are reporting the vocabulary selection techniques they used in intervention studies so that they may be replicated in clinical practice. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the vocabulary selection techniques and other aspects of intervention studies focused on vocabulary acquisition in early symbolic communicators who use SGDs. Method: Eight databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Educational Resources Information Center, Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts, Educational Research Complete, and CINAHL) were systematically searched for articles that were intervention studies targeting single-word vocabulary acquisition in early symbolic communicators who use SGDs. Data were extracted from each article and charted in Excel. Results: We found 5,405 unique articles, 18 of which met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for this review. All of the studies used a single-case design with three participants on average. Approximately half took place in the child's school, and most of the interventions were conducted by members of the research team. Eight studies targeted requesting or manding, six studies used preference assessments to select vocabulary, and seven articles used adults as informants to select the vocabulary. Conclusions: There are a limited number of studies investigating vocabulary acquisition in early symbolic communicators who use SGDs. Furthermore, the studies inconsistently used a range of methods that align with best practices for vocabulary selection.

Alterations and Preservations: Practices and Perspectives of Speech-Language Pathologists Regarding the Intervention of Thickened Liquids for Swallowing Problems.

The intervention of thickened liquids (TL) is commonly used to reduce aspiration in people with dysphagia. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have traditionally believed it is an effective intervention. Recent articles highlight limited evidence, poor acceptance, and a variety of unintended consequences. This study explores if current debates have been reflected in SLP practices and perspectives. An e-survey was developed. Participants were recruited via professional associations in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to explore the data. Principal component analysis was used to summarize SLP practices and perspectives. The 370 respondents represented mainly experienced, confident, hospital-based clinicians. While 20% of respondents frequently recommend TL, 61% believe it to be a burdensome treatment. "Best treatment" and "It works" beliefs continue to underpin decision making. Those who recommend TL most often are most influenced by penetration, coughing, and their own clinical experience. They are more likely to believe TL is evidence based and effective, reduces aspiration, and improves hydration. Person-centeredness is important among all respondents, although significant numbers would implement TL against patient wishes. Improvements in aspiration status and quality of life rank highly as reasons to discontinue TL. The results of this study suggest that fewer respondents are regularly using TL. Divergent groups are evident with those frequently employing and believing in the efficacy of TL and those who do not. While current debates are influencing practice, there clearly remains a significant number of SLPs continuing to recommend TL. This study's findings highlight both alterations and preservations in the discipline's approach to TL and calls for SLPs to reframe our thinking regarding this intervention as well as consider alternative options in this treatment space. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24317110.

Teachers’ perspectives on the role and scope of practice of speech-language pathologists working to support literacy in the early years of school

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the views of teachers in early year levels about the role and scope for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to work on literacy support in schools. Method: Sixty-one teachers from mainstream government schools across Victoria, Australia, completed an anonymous, online survey. Result: Although many respondents reported knowing that SLPs support the literacy learning of some students in their school, they had limited awareness of the scope of speech-language pathology practice in literacy instruction and intervention. Conclusion: Limited awareness of SLPs’ expertise and scope of practice may be leading to missed opportunities for collaborative practices. In order to capitalise on SLPs’ skill set for the benefit of students, the speech-language pathology profession should better promote and raise awareness of the various ways in which SLPs can collaborate within interprofessional literacy teams in schools.

Communication Classification: How Can It Inform Paediatric Speech-Language Pathology Practice?

Communication Classification: How Can It Inform Paediatric Speech-Language Pathology Practice?

Speech-language pathologists’ perspectives on bilingual service delivery in India: a preliminary survey

ABSTRACT With the rapid rise in the cultural and linguistic landscape of India, it is essential to evaluate the perspectives of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) on bilingual service delivery, as they are the primary service providers for individuals with communication disorders. The current study aimed to describe the perspectives and practices of SLPs on bilingual service delivery in India. A survey questionnaire was developed and disseminated online to speech-language pathologists practicing in India. A questionnaire was framed to evaluate the demographic characteristics, linguistic background, and practice of bilingual service delivery and the challenges faced. The demographic data, linguistic background data, and responses to different aspects of bilingual service delivery were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Seventy-five speech-language pathologists responded to the survey and their perspectives on different aspects of bilingual service delivery were variable. Most of the respondents had a positive outlook and reported having good competency concerning bilingual service delivery. The survey further revealed barriers to bilingual service delivery that need to be addressed and future implications for stakeholders are discussed.

Speech and swallowing intervention following oral cancer treatment: A survey of speech-language pathologists in Australia and New Zealand

Purpose Treatment for oral cancer has debilitating effects on speech and swallowing, however, little is known about current speech-language pathology practice. Method An online survey of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) was disseminated via emails to speech pathology departments, social media platforms, and professional online forums. Survey questions captured demographics, service delivery, type and timing of speech and swallowing interventions, and influences and barriers to practice. Result Forty-three SLPs working in Australia (n = 41) and New Zealand (n = 2) completed the survey. SLPs recommended speech and swallowing compensatory strategies significantly more frequently than active intervention. Swallowing outcomes measures were either instrumental (n = 31, 94%) or performance ratings (n = 25, 76%), whereas speech was measured informally with judgements of intelligibility (n = 30, 91%). SLPs used a range of supports for their decision making, particularly expert opinion (n = 81, 38.2%). They reported time and staffing limitations (n = 55, 55%) and a lack of relevant evidence (n = 35, 35%) as the largest barriers to evidence-based service delivery. Conclusion There is variability amongst SLPs in Australia and New Zealand regarding rehabilitation of speech and swallowing for people with oral cancer. This study highlights the need for evidence-based guidelines outlining best practice for screening processes, active rehabilitation protocols, and valid outcome measures with this population.

Dysphagia therapy for head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy by speech-language pathologists in Malaysia

PurposeThis study aimed to identify the current practices and challenges faced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in managing dysphagia among head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) in Malaysia.MethodA sequential, mixed-method study design was utilized in this research. Quantitative data were collected using a survey among 65 SLPs from 34 government hospitals throughout Malaysia. Additionally, 10 SLPs were selected using maximum variation sampling and interviewed for this study.ResultsThe survey showed that only 7.8% of SLPs conducted therapy on all patients before RT. Moreover, the frequency of therapy during and after RT has significant relationships with the variable of time to provide intervention [χ2 (3, 63) = 13.93, p = 0.004; χ2 (3, 64) = 12.58, p = 0.007]. This study also revealed varying responses from SLPs regarding the frequency and intensity of performing home therapy programs for patients undergoing RT. Furthermore, SLP practices were divided based on the type of treatments for patients who did not experience dysphagia or mild dysphagia upon the completion of RT. Nevertheless, this study had a high agreement on the type of treatment given to patients who had completed the RT. Qualitative results showed that SLPs faced challenges in terms of a lack of awareness of their role, the establishment of multidisciplinary teams, insufficient SLPs, and inadequate equipment for assessment.ConclusionThe study findings indicated a low standard of care in managing dysphagia among head and neck cancer patients undergoing RT and urgently call for improvements toward evidence-based practices.

“One of the biggest grey areas”: A focus group study exploring dosage of swallowing exercises from speech-language pathologist perspectives

Purpose: To explore the perspectives and practices of speech-language pathologists on dosage of swallowing exercises in stroke rehabilitation. Method: Online focus groups involved 20 speech-language pathologists working in various settings across Australia. Focus group data were recorded, deidentified, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis guided by an interpretivist phenomenological approach. Result: Analysis resulted in four main themes: (1) “Getting the most bang for your buck”: Importance of dosage in swallowing, (2) “No patient is identical”: Personalising swallowing exercise dosage to the patient, (3) “You’ve got what you should do, and then what you can do”: Gap between recommendations and practical application, and (4) “Not much guidance out there about dosage”: More research needed to guide dosage. Speech-language pathologists agreed that dosage was theoretically important for swallowing exercises, but practical application of dosage was impacted by patient factors, limited access to resources, and lack of research-based guidelines. Conclusion: Speech-language pathologists reported trying to provide optimal care despite multiple barriers to prescribing dosages of swallowing exercises in practice. Personalising exercise dosage to the patient, creative clinician strategies, improved and equitable access to resources, and research-based guidelines on swallowing exercise dosages are needed to address these barriers.

“Working together… I can't stress how important it is”: Indigenous Health Liaison Officers’ insights into working with speech-language pathologists and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with stroke and TBI

Purpose Providing culturally safe speech-language pathology services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with acquired communication disorders (ACDs) may be challenging for non-Indigenous speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Indigenous Health Liaison Officers (IHLOs) may share common histories and culture with patients, and provide valuable insights about cultural safety. The study aim was to explore IHLOs’ experiences of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults post-stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and with the SLPs who provide services to these peoples. Method Using an interpretive description collaborative research design informed by culturally responsive principles, IHLOs (n = 7) participated in interviews facilitated by Aboriginal researchers and the principal investigator. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis, informed by perspectives of Aboriginal researchers. Result Two themes, Connection and Spirit and Emotion, and six interdependent categories described how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have, and need, strong connections to family, country, health professionals, and ACD practices. Without these connections, patients’ wellbeing may be deeply affected. Conclusion SLPs must collaborate with IHLOs and patients’ family members and draw on their cultural knowledge, expertise, and guidance when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ensure connections are created. These connections contribute to culturally safe and responsive speech-language pathology practice.

The role of speech-language therapists with children and young people who have experienced maltreatment: a systematized review

ABSTRACT A growing body of research highlights the increased risk of communication disorders for children and young people (CYP) who have experienced maltreatment. Provision of communication support for maltreated CYP is endorsed by a number of professional speech pathology associations; however, research describing the role and practice of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with this population is limited. This systematized review aims to describe the role of SLPs when working with CYP who have experienced maltreatment, how SLPs are using their skills and knowledge with this population, and the factors that influence clinical practice. A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted across seven databases. A total of 12 studies met inclusion criteria. These articles were critiqued, and meaningful themes were generated using reflexive thematic analysis. The thematic analysis revealed two themes and three subthemes: (1) SLPs use their skills in flexible ways to meet the complex needs of CYP who have experienced maltreatment: (a) assessment considerations, (b) models of practice, and (c) SLPs strive to provide trauma-informed care; and (2) Clinician-level and service-level factors influence SLP’s clinical practice with this population. High rates of communication difficulties for maltreated CYP highlights an important role for SLPs in the provision of targeted and universal support with this population. Further research is required to not only inform evidence-based clincial approaches for SLPs, but to also advocate for the role of SLPs in the early identification and prevention of the adverse impacts of child maltreatment.

Australia's Speech-Language Pathology Profession and Its Global Impact

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe the speech-language pathology profession in Australia and its global impact. Conclusions: Australia is known for its international collaboration in research, advocacy, leadership in practice (clinical) education and training of the workforce, innovations in technology for service delivery, and global partnerships. In Australia, speech-language pathologists are known as speech pathologists who have expertise in providing assessment and intervention to optimize communication and swallowing for people across the life span. Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is the peak professional body in Australia and was founded in 1949. Speech pathology is a self-regulating profession, and SPA is recognized by the Australian government as the body that sets and maintains the standards for the profession. Members can hold Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) status if they meet annual recency of practice and continuing professional development requirements. Not all speech pathologists are members of SPA. SPA has approximately 14,000 members; half are employed in private practices where services may be funded by government-funded schemes, private health insurance, or self-funded by service users. Most SPA members are female and the majority only speak English, with Cantonese being the most common other language spoken. The Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia outlines the knowledge, skills, and attributes for entry-level and practicing speech pathologists. SPA hosts an annual national conference and produces two journals: International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology . SPA have committed to cultural responsiveness and privileging the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities, the First Peoples of Australia. SPA aspires to the provision of culturally safe speech pathology services for all people and supports the development of speech-language pathology in the Asia-Pacific region including Vietnam and Cambodia.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Services for Emergent Bilinguals: Perspectives, Practices, and Confidence of Speech-Language Pathologists.

The purpose of this project was to examine the perspectives, practices, and confidence of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding service provision for emergent bilinguals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) through a nationwide survey. Licensed SLPs (N = 179) completed an online survey, which included Likert-type and multiple-choice questions. Findings from the survey revealed a discrepancy between SLPs' perceptions and practices regarding service provision for emergent bilinguals who use AAC. Furthermore, most SLPs surveyed reported varying levels of confidence in serving this population and indicated that they frequently lacked training and resources to serve bilingual clients who use AAC. This research highlighted the need for increased resources, research, and education to support service provision for emergent bilinguals who use AAC.

Publisher Note: Welcoming SIG 20 to Perspectives

You have accessSIG 20 CounselingPublisher Note14 Mar 2023Publisher Note: Welcoming SIG 20 to Perspectives The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Google Scholar More articles by this author https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00024 SectionsAboutAbstractPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationTrack Citations ShareFacebookTwitterLinked In Last April, the ASHA Board of Directors approved the establishment of SIG 20: Counseling, which officially launched January 1, 2023. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups is thus pleased to welcome SIG 20: Counseling to the journal. SIG 20 is dedicated to building knowledge and awareness of the counseling-related issues and needs that exist throughout the discipline. Researchers and practicing professionals in all areas of speech, language, and hearing are dedicated to improving the effectiveness of communication, and that takes a “whole person” approach for both the clients/patients and the families, caregivers, educators, and others who are part of each person's life. Optimizing treatment outcomes in this regard requires a focus that spans education, research, training, and clinical practice, and SIG 20 looks forward to serving as a nexus for resources supporting these aims. For more information on how SIG 20 came to be, we encourage you to read the introductory announcement article by Jerry K. Hoepner (2022). Authors are invited to consider publishing their manuscripts specific to counseling in Perspectives. Papers of all types are welcome, including review articles, reports of new findings, clinical focus articles, tutorials, and viewpoints. More information about the range of article types considered and guidance on publishing in Perspectives is available on the ASHA Journals Academy. Anthony DiLollo, PhD, Professor and Director of the Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders at Texas Christian University, will be serving as the inaugural editor for SIG 20. Dr. DiLollo and the members of the SIG 20 Coordinating Committee welcome your input and suggestions on how SIG 20 can best serve the counseling community and the discipline of communication sciences and disorders at large. Stay tuned! More updates will be coming your way throughout the year. Editor-in-Chief: Celeste Domsch SIG 20 Editor: Anthony DiLollo SIG 20 Professional Development Manager: Christopher D. Constantino SIG 20 2023 Coordinating Committee: Ying-Chiao Tsao, SIG Coordinator · Jerry K. Hoepner, Associate Coordinator · Anthony DiLollo, Perspectives Editor · Christopher D. Constantino, Professional Development Manager · Rebecca Crowell · Laura W. Plexico · Monica Sampson, ASHA SIG 20 Ex Officio ASHA Board of Directors Board Liaisons: Janice R. Trent, Vice President for Audiology Practice · Linda I. Rosa-Lugo, Vice President for Speech-Language Pathology Practice ASHA Advertising Sales: Pamela J. Leppin Reference Hoepner, J. K. (2022, August 16). Introducing a new ASHA Special Interest Group on counseling.The ASHA LeaderLive. https://leader.pubs.asha.org/do/10.1044/2022-0815-news-sig-counseling-career/full/ Google Scholar Additional Resources FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Newly PublishedePub Ahead of IssuePages: 1-1 History Published online: Mar 14, 2023 Get Permissions Add to your Mendeley library Metrics Topicsasha-sigsasha-article-typesCopyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2023 American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationPDF downloadLoading ...

Cognitive-communication difficulties due to traumatic brain injury sustained in adults 55 years and older: A survey of speech-language pathology professional practice in Australia

Purpose Limited research informs management of cognitive-communication difficulties following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adulthood. The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics and practice of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with people who sustained TBI at ≥55 years and more specifically their management of cognitive-communication difficulties with this population. This included assessment and treatment practices, resource needs, barriers to practice, and impact to service delivery from COVID-19 restrictions. Method A cross-sectional survey-based design with non-probability sampling of SLPs working in Australia with adults with TBI was utilised. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used for analysis of survey data. Result Fifty responses were eligible for inclusion. Participants predominantly worked in inpatient rehabilitation (48%), acute (40%), and community settings (36%). Service delivery to adults who sustained TBI at ≥55 years commonly included cognitive-communication management. Assessment and treatment trends are described. Most SLPs (74%) perceived barriers to cognitive-communication management, often relating to time and funding, that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic restrictions presented additional challenges. Conclusion Research relating to cognitive-communication difficulties following TBI in older adulthood is required to support evidence-based practice and inform services for older adults who sustain TBI.