Awareness and knowledge of dementia and its communication disorders amongst Brazilian speech and language therapists

IF 1.5 3区医学 Q2 AUDIOLOGY & SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders Pub Date : 2024-06-20 DOI:10.1111/1460-6984.13079

Bárbara Costa Beber, Emily Viega Alves, Natalie Pereira, Maria Isabel d’Ávila Freitas, Marcela Lima Silagi, Márcia Lorena Fagundes Chaves, Brian Lawlor

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) play an important role in assessing and rehabilitating communication disorders in people with dementia, but there is evidence to suggest that they do not receive appropriate training to provide management and support during their training.

Aim

To investigate the level of awareness and knowledge that practising SLTs from Brazil have about dementia and their role in the care of dementia through an online survey.

Methods & Procedures

An online survey tool was developed to collect information from practising Brazilian SLTs regarding their knowledge about dementia, awareness about their role in the care of people with dementia, and opinions on how SLTs may be better prepared to work in the dementia field. The survey was disseminated via social media, websites, and e-mail lists of researchers and stakeholders.

Outcomes & Results

A total of 227 SLTs completed the survey. Participants showed good knowledge of dementia in general, while their answers were less accurate on primary progressive aphasia. Regarding the awareness by SLTs of their role in the care of people with dementia, most agreed or strongly agreed that SLTs could help people in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dementia (> 80%). However, fewer participants agreed or strongly agreed that they felt confident in contributing to the treatment and diagnosis process of dementia (about 50%). To improve the training of SLTs in Brazil, most participants believed that it would be necessary to improve the teaching of dementia at the undergraduate speech and language therapy curriculum level and to develop recommendations or guidelines about speech and language therapy practice in dementia.

Conclusions & Implications

The results of this survey point to a need for improvement in the knowledge and confidence of Brazilian SLTs about dementia. To reach this goal, targeted training courses and applied practice opportunities should be embedded within university curricula and training programmes.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

Many studies confirm the importance of speech and language therapy in the non-pharmacological treatment of people with dementia. However, other evidence suggests to a possible lack of training for Brazilian SLTs, especially in the curriculum of undergraduate courses.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

This study reveals that Brazilian SLTs have substantial knowledge of dementia and recognize the significance of their role in treating people with dementia. However, a minority expressed confidence in their ability to assess and treat people with dementia.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

The findings of this research demonstrate that Brazilian SLTs have good knowledge of dementia and endorse their professional role in dementia care; however, they lack confidence in their own skills and expertise in diagnostic assessment and treatment of dementia. Interventions aimed at boosting the SLT's confidence level could lead to improved patients outcomes and overall quality of care within clinical settings.

查看原文本刊更多论文

巴西言语和语言治疗师对痴呆症及其交流障碍的认识和了解。

背景：言语和语言治疗师（SLTs）在评估和康复痴呆症患者的交流障碍方面发挥着重要作用，但有证据表明，他们在接受培训期间并没有接受过适当的培训以提供管理和支持：我们开发了一个在线调查工具，以收集巴西在职康复治疗师对痴呆症知识的了解程度、对自己在痴呆症患者护理中的角色的认识，以及对如何让康复治疗师更好地为痴呆症领域的工作做好准备的看法。该调查通过社交媒体、网站以及研究人员和利益相关者的电子邮件列表进行传播：共有 227 名 SLT 完成了调查。参与调查者对痴呆症的一般知识了解较多，但对原发性进行性失语症的回答不太准确。关于康复治疗师对其在痴呆症患者护理中的角色的认识，大多数人同意或非常同意康复治疗师可以帮助人们诊断、治疗和预防痴呆症（> 80%）。然而，较少参与者同意或非常同意他们有信心在痴呆症的治疗和诊断过程中作出贡献（约50%）。为了改善巴西语言治疗师的培训，大多数参与者认为有必要改善语言治疗本科课程中有关痴呆症的教学，并制定有关痴呆症语言治疗实践的建议或指南：这项调查的结果表明，巴西语言治疗师需要提高对痴呆症的认识和信心。为实现这一目标，应在大学课程和培训计划中纳入有针对性的培训课程和应用实践机会：关于该主题的已知情况许多研究证实，言语和语言治疗在痴呆症患者的非药物治疗中非常重要。然而，其他证据表明，巴西的言语和语言治疗师可能缺乏培训，尤其是在本科课程中。本文对现有知识的补充本研究显示，巴西的辅助语言治疗师对痴呆症有大量的了解，并认识到他们在治疗痴呆症患者方面的重要作用。然而，少数人对自己评估和治疗痴呆症患者的能力表示有信心。这项工作有哪些潜在或实际的临床意义？这项研究结果表明，巴西的辅助治疗师对痴呆症有很好的了解，并认可他们在痴呆症护理中的专业角色；但是，他们对自己在诊断评估和治疗痴呆症方面的技能和专业知识缺乏信心。旨在提高 SLT 自信水平的干预措施可改善患者的治疗效果和临床护理的整体质量。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders AUDIOLOGY & SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY-REHABILITATION

CiteScore

3.30

自引率

12.50%

发文量

116

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders (IJLCD) is the official journal of the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists. The Journal welcomes submissions on all aspects of speech, language, communication disorders and speech and language therapy. It provides a forum for the exchange of information and discussion of issues of clinical or theoretical relevance in the above areas.