Michael D Madoule, Katherine L Marks, Kathleen F Nagle, Eric Kirchgessner, Aideen Gill, Joshua C Kline, Jenny M Vojtech, Cara E Stepp
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the structure of voice evaluations and gather clinicians' opinions on the barriers to and benefits of using acoustic measures in these evaluations. A secondary goal was to investigate how clinicians assess strain and vocal effort.
Method: Fifteen voice-specialized speech-language pathologists from voice centers around the United States were interviewed to query their current voice evaluation practice patterns and opinions on acoustic measures. They were also asked how they evaluate strain and vocal effort. Thematic analysis was performed by two researchers based on the recorded interviews.
Results: Differences among practitioners were found in almost every component of the evaluation. Four themes related to barriers to and benefits of implementing acoustic measures in a voice evaluation were identified: Collecting and analyzing acoustic measures (a) take time, (b) do not inform therapy patterns, (c) allow for the most accurate comparison, and (d) supplement patient-centered care. Three themes emerged related to evaluating vocal effort and strain: Clinicians (a) lack consensus on objective measures of strain, (b) use more than just auditory perception to evaluate strain, and (c) assess vocal effort in different ways.
Conclusions: Although some speech-language pathologists view acoustic assessment as the gold standard for guiding therapeutic decisions, others believe it may not be strictly necessary for delivering effective voice therapy. Variations in the assessment of strain and vocal effort across voice clinics suggest a need for additional research in this area.
期刊介绍：
Mission: AJSLP publishes peer-reviewed research and other scholarly articles on all aspects of clinical practice in speech-language pathology. The journal is an international outlet for clinical research pertaining to screening, detection, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan as well as the etiologies and characteristics of these disorders. Because of its clinical orientation, the journal disseminates research findings applicable to diverse aspects of clinical practice in speech-language pathology. AJSLP seeks to advance evidence-based practice by disseminating the results of new studies as well as providing a forum for critical reviews and meta-analyses of previously published work.
Scope: The broad field of speech-language pathology, including aphasia; apraxia of speech and childhood apraxia of speech; aural rehabilitation; augmentative and alternative communication; cognitive impairment; craniofacial disorders; dysarthria; fluency disorders; language disorders in children; speech sound disorders; swallowing, dysphagia, and feeding disorders; and voice disorders.
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