Perceived Gaps in Genetics Training Among Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists: Lessons From a National Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 408-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beate Peter ◽  
Michael J. Dougherty ◽  
E. Kate Reed ◽  
Emily Edelman ◽  
Karen Hanson
Keyword(s):  
Communication Disorders ◽  
General Information ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Additional Training ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Clinical Confidence ◽  
Perceived Relevance

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, self-rated confidence, and perceived relevance of genetics in the clinical practice of audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) toward a better understanding of the need for genetics education, given that genetics plays a growing role in the diagnosis of hearing impairment and communication disorders. Method A survey consisting of 8 demographic items and 16 content questions was returned by 233 audiologists and 283 SLPs. Knowledge of applied genetics was queried with clinical scenarios in a multiple-choice format. Self-assessment of clinical confidence and perceived relevance of genetics in one's field was queried with questions and statements rated on 5-point Likert scales. The benefit of additional training in genetics was rated with a yes/no question, and if answered with yes, suggested topics were entered. Results A large significant gap between confidence in one's own genetics skills and the perceived relevance of genetics was evident, regardless of professional group. Over one third of the audiologists and over two thirds of the SLPs indicated low or somewhat low confidence in their own ability to implement principles of genetics, whereas over two thirds of both groups agreed that genetics is relevant for their field. Regardless of group, confidence scores were significantly and positively associated with relevance scores. Over 80% of respondents in both groups indicated that they would benefit from additional training in genetics. Most commonly suggested topics included genetic causes, general information about genetics, and making referrals. Conclusion Both audiologists and SLPs felt that genetics is relevant for their fields and that additional training in genetics would be beneficial. Future studies should evaluate the effect of genetics training on patient outcomes and the need for incorporating genetics more extensively into audiology and speech-language pathology training programs.

Speech-Language Pathology in the Peace Corps: Necessity and Sustainability

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-18
Author(s):  
Melissa A. Pierce
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Special Education ◽  
Peace Corps ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
The United States ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Language Pathology

In countries other than the United States, the study and practice of speech-language pathology is little known or nonexistent. Recognition of professionals in the field is minimal. Speech-language pathologists in countries where speech-language pathology is a widely recognized and respected profession often seek to share their expertise in places where little support is available for individuals with communication disorders. The Peace Corps offers a unique, long-term volunteer opportunity to people with a variety of backgrounds, including speech-language pathologists. Though Peace Corps programs do not specifically focus on speech-language pathology, many are easily adapted to the profession because they support populations of people with disabilities. This article describes how the needs of local children with communication disorders are readily addressed by a Special Education Peace Corps volunteer.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Speech-Language Pathologists on the Use of Telepractice in Schools: The Qualitative View

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice K. Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Educational Setting ◽  
Professional Issues ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Settings ◽  
Language Pathology

Telepractice in speech-language pathology shows the potential to mitigate the current shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) available to serve a growing number of persons with communication disorders.  Since a majority of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified SLPs work in schools and the population of communicatively impaired clients in schools continues to grow, research into the use of telepractice in the educational setting is warranted.  This article reports upon the perspectives of SLPs regarding the use of telepractice in school settings. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with five SLPs experienced in the delivery of telepractice. Four major themes emerged: barriers, benefits, reasons for acceptance and use of telepractice, and suggestions to resolve telepractice professional issues.

Confidence and Training of Speech-Language Pathologists in Cognitive-Communication Disorders: Time to Rethink Graduate Education Models?

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2S) ◽  
pp. 986-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily L. Morrow ◽  
Lyn S. Turkstra ◽  
Melissa C. Duff
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Education ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
The United States ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Communication Course ◽  
Graduate Curriculum ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
And Training

Purpose The purpose of this article is to highlight the need for increased focus on cognitive communication in North American speech-language pathology graduate education models. Method We describe key findings from a recent survey of acute care speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States and expand upon the ensuing discussion at the 2020 International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference to consider some of the specific challenges of training for cognitive communication and make suggestions for rethinking how to prepare future clinicians to manage cognitive-communication disorders. Results Results from the survey of acute care SLPs indicated inconsistent confidence and training in managing cognitive-communication disorders. We discuss the pros and cons of several avenues for improving the consistency of cognitive-communication training, including a standalone cognitive-communication course, integrating cognitive communication in all courses across the speech-language pathology undergraduate and graduate curriculum, and using problem-based learning frameworks to better prepare students as independent thinkers in the area of cognitive communication and beyond. Conclusions Cognitive-communication disorders cut across clinical diagnoses and settings and are one of the largest and fastest growing parts of the SLP's scope of practice. Yet, surveys, including the one discussed here, have repeatedly indicated that SLPs do not feel prepared or confident to work with individuals with cognitive-communication disorders. We propose several avenues for increasing educational emphasis on cognitive communication. We hope these ideas will generate discussion and guide decision making to empower SLPs to think critically and step confidently into their roles as leaders in managing the heterogeneous and ever-growing populations of individuals with cognitive-communication disorders.

The Speech-Language Pathologist's Role in Screening for Head and Neck Cancer

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-13
Author(s):  
Edie R. Hapner
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Cancer Screenings ◽  
Language Pathology

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)'s Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA, 2004) and Prevention of Communication Disorders (ASHA, 1988) advise speech-language pathologists to engage in activities to educate and prevent diseases and disorders that affect speech and swallowing. However, many speech-language pathologists may be unfamiliar with the use of head and neck cancer screening that can be easily integrated into oral mechanism examinations and perceptual voice evaluations. This paper reviews the problem created by the lack of knowledge and reduced risk perception by the general public and healthcare professionals regarding signs, symptoms, and risks for head and neck cancer. A simple six-step screening tool is included to aid the reader in integrating head and neck cancer screenings into a general oral mechanism and speech/voice evaluation.

Supervision: Self-Assessment in Supervision: The Use of the Rubric as a Means of Self-Assessment

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Wright
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Complex Task ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Clinical Supervisors ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Professional Development Needs

Self-assessment in supervision is a complex task; therefore, using a rubric as a means of self-assessment may be a valuable tool. This article will discuss the development of a rubric using the Knowledge and Skills Needed by Speech-Language Pathologists Providing Clinical Supervision (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], 2008a) as the foundation of the tool. The proposed rubric can serve as a tool to self-assess skills and professional development needs in the area of clinical supervision. ASHA has outlined 11 competencies required by supervisors of students and Clinical Fellows (CFs) in the field of speech-language pathology (2008a). Using these competencies paired with a rubric model proposed by Arrasmith and Galion (2001), this article will provide a means by which clinical supervisors can guide their professional development in supervision.

The Influence of Linguistic Bias Upon Speech-Language Pathologists’ Attitudes Toward Clinical Scenarios Involving Nonstandard Dialects of English

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Catherine Easton ◽  
Sarah Verdon
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Linguistic Diversity ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
Language Pathology

Purpose Variation within languages, including dialects, takes on an indexical function, marking belonging and connection. Meanwhile, attitudes toward these speech varieties become marked by linguistic bias. Within the speech-language pathology profession, research evidence, assessment tools, and intervention programs have largely been designed for and by the White, English-speaking middle class. As such, linguistic bias with a preference for standardized dialects is prevalent in the training and practice of the speech-language pathology profession, resulting in discriminatory and racialized practices. Method To investigate the influence of linguistic bias upon speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') clinical decision making, data were collected from 129 Australian SLPs via an online survey. Inferential statistics were used to investigate the relationship between clinical decision making and SLPs' attitudes toward nonstandard dialects as well as personal and professional factors. A content analysis of extended responses was conducted to identify themes in clinical decision making. Results SLPs with more years of experience and those who had received professional development were significantly more likely to seek out more information before making a diagnosis, while those with more negative attitudes toward linguistic diversity were significantly more likely to identify a disorder than a difference. SLPs provided a range of justifications for their clinical decision making, but few acknowledged the influence of their own attitudes and bias upon their decision making. Conclusions SLPs' linguistic bias towards speakers of nonstandard dialects has the potential to impact upon their clinical judgment of difference versus disorder and lead to inequality of service provision for speakers who do not express themselves in standardized forms. Before the profession can truly move toward an antiracist approach of equitable service provision for all, SLPs must engage in critical self-reflection to disrupt the adherence of the speech-language pathology profession to standardized “White” norms of communication.

Bullying: What Speech-Language Pathologists Should Know

2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Communication Disorders ◽  
School Bullying ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Effects Of Bullying ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Being Bullied ◽  
Education Psychology ◽  
Therapeutic Activities

Purpose The purpose of this tutorial is to introduce speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to the broad issues surrounding the problem of school bullying in childhood and adolescence. Specifically, types of bullying and their causes are considered, as are the roles students take when bullying occurs and the effects of bullying on students with communication disorders. Strategies and suggestions to help SLPs more effectively prevent and manage bullying of students with communication disorders are discussed. Method A review of the scholarly literature in education, psychology, child and adolescent development, and speech-language pathology was conducted. Recommendations for how SLPs can prevent and intervene in bullying incidences were extrapolated from the reviewed literature. Results Students with communication disorders are at particularly high risk for being bullied by peers. Some students with communication disorders are “provocative victims” in that they demonstrate impairments in social skills that draw the attention of bullies. Both provocative victims and typical students may react aggressively when bullied and bully others in retaliation. Conclusion SLPs can and should help to create an inclusive environment for all students while addressing bullying of students with communication disorders via therapeutic activities.

scholarly journals Speech-Language Pathologists with a PHD in Brazil: profile of professional training and scientific production in the voice area

Revista CEFAC ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Léslie Piccolotto Ferreira ◽  
Alice Prado de Azevedo Antunes ◽  
Andressa Medeiros Marinoni-Prado ◽  
Daniella Spacassassi Centurión ◽  
Lillian Gattelli Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Doctoral Degree ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Scientific Production ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Growth Trend ◽  
Southeast Region ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
The Voice

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate, among the Brazilian Speech-Language Pathologists with a doctoral degree, who analyzed voice-related aspects in their theses, the variables gender, year of defense of the thesis, type and location of the educational institution, inclusion of the program through which the thesis was developed, thesis’ theme and the authors' scientific production in the last 10 years. Methods: data collected through a survey on the Lattes Platform from 1986 to 2017. Inclusion criteria were having a degree in Speech-Language Pathology, being Brazilian and having a doctoral degree. The variables defined were recorded in the STATA/IC 14.2, a descriptive analysis of the data was performed, and the growth trend of the number of theses was determined. Results: Most of the 104 professionals who composed the sample were females, with a doctoral degree from a federal public institution located in the Southeast region, and who defended a thesis related to Clinical Voice in specific programs in the area (Human Communication Disorders; Speech-Language Pathology; Speech-Language Pathology, Physical therapy and Occupational Therapy). Article production included 1,458 articles published in the analyzed period, with 6,867 citations in various databases. Conclusion: There has been a steady growth in the number of theses defended in the voice area in the last 30 years, but still concentrated on clinical voice sub-areas, in federal public institutions, predominantly in the Brazilian Southeast region, and in specific programs for Speech-Language Pathology.

The Development of a New Era of Speech-Language Pathology in Greece

1995 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marinella Tsoukala ◽  
Rebecca Tziorvas
Keyword(s):  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Government ◽  
Exciting Time ◽  
The Many

Speech-language pathology services in Greece continue to expand, and it is an exciting time to be a speech-language pathologist within the existing structure. The role of speech-language pathologists in Greece has changed over the years from therapist, to include educator, advocate, and politician. The many tasks facing speech-language pathologists in Greece have been difficult ones. It has taken patience and persistence to educate the general public about communication disorders and the role of speech-language pathologists in treating these problems. It has also been arduous to convince the government to recognize our profession and its value within the community. We believe that by the establishment of a speech-language department at a Greek university, our profession will be fortified and renewed. The development of a university-based training program will aid in the creation of posts in educational and hospital settings, as well as bridge the gap that exists between the current number of speech-language pathologists and the number of people requiring treatment. Furthermore, the creation of a university department will allow for much needed research within the Greek community. In particular, it may aid in the gathering of normative data and the standardization of tests for the Greek population. The path in establishing speech-language pathology education and services in Greece is a long one, but through our commitment and our energetic and earnest approach, we hope to reach our goals.

Guiding Principles and Clinical Applications for Speech-Language Pathology Practice in Early Intervention

2011 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Paul ◽  
Froma P. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Transition Planning ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Infants And Toddlers ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Guiding Principles

Purpose This article describes guiding principles in early intervention (EI) and demonstrates how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can apply these principles to best serve infants and toddlers with communication and related problems and their families. Method Four principles guide the implementation of speech-language pathology services. EI services are services that are (a) family centered and culturally and linguistically responsive; (b) developmentally supportive, promoting children’s participation in their natural environments; (c) comprehensive, coordinated, and team based; and (d) based on the highest quality evidence available. Actual clinical scenarios are presented to illustrate each principle. Results The four principles provide a framework for the wide range of roles and responsibilities assumed by SLPs in EI: (a) screening/evaluation/assessment, (b) goal setting and intervention, (c) consultation with and education for team members, (d) service coordination, (e) transition planning, and (f) advocacy. Conclusion It is critical that families of infants and toddlers who are at risk for, or who have been diagnosed with, communication disorders receive all necessary services and supports. EI services should be tailored to the individual and the changing needs, preferences, and priorities of each family. The earlier services are provided, the more likely is the child’s chance to develop effective communication.

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