American journal of speech-language pathology
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Am J Speech Lang Pathol · Sep 2021
Student Stories: Microaggressions in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Purpose Microaggressions and how they affect underrepresented college students have been frequently documented. However, there is a lack of literature on the experiences of underrepresented communication sciences and disorders (CSD) students. The purpose of this study is to understand how underrepresented post baccalaureate, undergraduate, and graduate students in CSD experience microaggressions in their academic programs. ⋯ It has implications for the need to cultivate more inclusive learning and social environments in CSD programs. Further research is needed to explore the ramifications of microaggressions and ways to effectively reduce and eventually eradicate them. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.15240723.
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Am J Speech Lang Pathol · Jul 2021
Current Practices Among Speech-Language Pathologists for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Mixed-Methods Modified Delphi Approach.
Purpose The study purpose was to capture the clinical practice patterns of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) treating mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI; concussion). Study aims were to (a) characterize expert SLP practice patterns for the management of mTBI and (b) use qualitative content analysis to explore areas of quantitative variability within participants' responses. Method Using a modified Delphi approach, SLPs completed an online survey, with Round 1 responses shaping questions for Round 2. ⋯ Results will inform both current clinical practices and future practice guidelines. High-level guidance and advocacy are needed to clarify SLP practice concerns and advance interprofessional education. Future work should address identified gaps, including targeted assessment tools and consensus on intervention methods.
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Am J Speech Lang Pathol · Aug 2020
Speech-Language Pathology Guidance for Tracheostomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Multidisciplinary Perspective.
Purpose As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, there has been growing recognition of risks to frontline health care workers. When caring for patients with tracheostomy, speech-language pathologists have significant exposure to mucosal surfaces, secretions, and aerosols that may harbor the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This tutorial provides guidance on practices for safely performing patient evaluation and procedures, thereby reducing risk of infection. ⋯ Conclusions Speech-language pathologists are often called on to assist in the care of patients with tracheostomy and known or suspected COVID-19 infection. Appropriate care of these patients is predicated on maintaining the health and safety of the health care team. Careful adherence to best practices can significantly reduce risk of infectious transmission.
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Am J Speech Lang Pathol · Nov 2019
Speech-Language Pathologists' Comfort Providing Intervention to Children With Traumatic Brain Injury: Results From a National Survey.
Purpose This exploratory study examined speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) clinical experience and work environment characteristics impacting comfort with providing intervention to children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Method This study included 162 SLPs who responded to a national survey about their comfort providing intervention to children with TBI, clinical experience (i.e., years of experience treating children with TBI, TBI preprofessional training and professional development, and licensure/credentialing), and work environment (i.e., work setting, caseload size, geographic location). Results Findings from latent class analysis revealed 3 distinct groups of SLPs based on their comfort with providing services to children with TBI: those with low comfort, moderate comfort, and high comfort. ⋯ Practicing SLPs may increase their level of comfort through professional development and hands-on, mentored experience with TBI. Efforts such as these may influence the quality of service provision and expand the population of SLPs who feel comfortable treating children with TBI. Future research is needed to further examine how comfort and SLP characteristics directly impact the quality of speech and language intervention and long-term outcomes of children with TBI.
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Am J Speech Lang Pathol · Aug 2019
The Feasibility, Utility, and Safety of Communication Interventions With Mechanically Ventilated Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Systematic Review.
Purpose The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature relating to the feasibility, utility, and safety of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions and tracheostomy-related communication interventions with mechanically ventilated adult patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Method MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched for relevant articles. Studies were included if (a) they were performed in the ICU, (b) they involved participants > 18 years of age, (c) > 85% of participants were mechanically ventilated, and (d) they reported on content that related to the feasibility and/or utility and/or safety of AAC intervention and/or tracheostomy-related communication intervention. ⋯ The levels of evidence varied and ranged from high (n = 2), moderate (n = 7), low (n = 9), and very low (n = 30). Conclusions There is developing evidence that communication interventions with mechanically ventilated ICU patients are feasible, have utility, and are safe. Further research is warranted to guide speech pathologist-directed intervention to improve patient outcomes and the patient experience in the ICU.