Optimizing Collaboration Between Medical and School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists Managing Pediatric Dysphagia

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Kane Miller
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
School Based ◽  
Medical Issues ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Center Hospital ◽  
Dysphagia Treatment

Abstract Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who work with the pediatric population, regardless of setting—home-based, early intervention center, hospital, or school—are more likely than not to encounter children in their practice who exhibit dysphagia. The reasons for this are basically two-fold: medical and legislative. Continued advances in medical care and surgical management have resulted in increased survival rates of infants with very complex medical issues, which often include oral motor, feeding, and swallowing difficulty (Kelly, 2006; McNab & Blackman, 1998). Second, legislation ensuring that all children receive educational services in the least restrictive setting has increased the number of children being referred to the school-based pediatric SLP, given that addressing feeding and swallowing disorders is considered educationally relevant (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], 2007). The role of the SLP may differ in terms of the environment and by what type of service is being rendered, be it consultation, evaluation, or treatment. However, it is the common role and responsibility of all SLPs, regardless of setting, to work together to initiate and maintain ongoing communication and collaboration regarding the components of the dysphagia evaluation and treatment plan. As the number of children who require dysphagia treatment continues to rise, establishing and using organized systems for communication and information sharing between medical and education settings are underscored. The purpose of the following article is to increase awareness of current resources to guide practice patterns, and to offer some practical suggestions to enhance communication between medical and school-based SLPs.

scholarly journals Dysphagia Management in Schools: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 527-546
Author(s):  
Catherine Felicetti ◽  
Kelly Richardson ◽  
Angela Mansolillo
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
The United States ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pediatric Feeding ◽  
Survey Responses

Purpose To date, few studies have examined school-based pediatric feeding and swallowing practices across the United States. This study aims to (a) identify barriers to feeding and swallowing service provision in an educational setting and (b) identify the types of service suggested by school-based speech-language pathologists in response to a fictional case study. Method School-based speech-language pathologists and clinical fellows were invited to participate in a 15-min web-based survey. The survey questions addressed demographic and vocational information and perceived barriers to service provision. Survey respondents were also asked to develop a treatment plan in response to a fictional case study. In total, 200 anonymous survey responses were coded and analyzed using qualitative analysis methods. Results A number of barriers to practice were identified, which include academic and/or clinical preparedness and concerns related to the educational relevance of service. Analysis of the case study results indicated a wide range of treatment plans. The most common type of direct intervention suggested was an oral motor exercise regime, followed by diet modifications, and the implementation of safe swallow strategies. Conclusions Information gained in this study may be used to support policies and protocols related to the assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing impairment in school settings.

Workload Status of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists in Texas

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 136-149
Author(s):  
Erika Armstrong ◽  
Ginger White ◽  
Laura Moorer-Cook ◽  
Cindy Gill
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Workload Analysis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
School Based ◽  
The Status ◽  
Laws And Policies ◽  
Time Expenditures

In 1993, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommended caseloads of 40 for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) practicing in the public schools, a recommendation that was not feasible for most school districts. In addition, new laws and policies substantially increased the paperwork, responsibilities, and time expenditures required of the school-based SLP. ASHA subsequently instigated extensive reviews of the problem and, in 2002, suggested that schools instead use a “workload analysis approach,” considering all of the required activities from prereferral to dismissal, in order to determine the number of children an SLP could appropriately serve. In our study, we attempted to catalog the status of Texas' efforts in using workload considerations. More than 400 school-based respondents indicated the percentages of time they spent fulfilling each professional responsibility at their school. Responses suggest that variation in caseload numbers corresponds to clinician role (SLP vs. supervising SLP vs. SLP Assistant). Most clinicians indicated that they were fairly satisfied with their job; however, many were employed 5 or fewer years in the schools and the average workweek was 48–49 hours. Although it appears that Texas is using workload considerations to some extent, efforts should continue to optimize the quality of treatment for Texas schoolchildren and retention of SLPs in the schools.

Assessment and Intervention for Children With Limited English Proficiency and Language Disorders

1994 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 77-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Limited English Proficiency ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Language Disorders ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Academic Difficulties ◽  
Language Differences ◽  
Language Impaired ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Assessment And Treatment

The number of children with limited English proficiency (LEP) in U.S. public schools is growing dramatically. Speech-language pathologists increasingly receive referrals from classroom teachers for children with limited English proficiency who are struggling in school. The speech-language pathologists are frequently asked to determine if the children have language disorders that may be causing or contributing to their academic difficulties. Most speech-language pathologists are monolingual English speakers who have had little or no coursework or training related to the needs of LEP children. This article discusses practical, clinically applicable ideas for assessment and treatment of LEP children who are language impaired, and gives suggestions for distinguishing language differences from language disorders in children with limited English proficiency.

Speech-Language Pathologists' Perceptions of School-Based Services for Children With Hearing Loss

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 469-478
Author(s):  
Sarah Allen ◽  
Robert Mayo
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
School Based ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
Children With Hearing Loss ◽  
Perceptions Of School

Purpose School-aged children with hearing loss are best served by a multidisciplinary team of professionals. The purpose of this research was to assess school-based speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perceptions of their access to, involvement of, and working relationships with educational audiologists in their current work setting. Method An online survey was developed and distributed to school-based SLPs in North Carolina. Results A significant difference in access to and involvement of educational audiologists across the state was found. Conclusions This research contributes to professional knowledge by providing information about current perceptions in the field about interprofessional practice in a school-based setting. Overall, SLPs reported positive feelings about their working relationship with educational audiologists and feel the workload is distributed fairly.

What Does Evidence-Based Practice Mean to You? A Follow-Up Study Examining School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives on Evidence-Based Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 688-704
Author(s):  
Katrina Fulcher-Rood ◽  
Anny Castilla-Earls ◽  
Jeff Higginbotham
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Clinical Expertise ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Ebp Implementation

Purpose The current investigation is a follow-up from a previous study examining child language diagnostic decision making in school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The purpose of this study was to examine the SLPs' perspectives regarding the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) in their clinical work. Method Semistructured phone interviews were conducted with 25 school-based SLPs who previously participated in an earlier study by Fulcher-Rood et al. 2018). SLPs were asked questions regarding their definition of EBP, the value of research evidence, contexts in which they implement scientific literature in clinical practice, and the barriers to implementing EBP. Results SLPs' definitions of EBP differed from current definitions, in that SLPs only included the use of research findings. SLPs seem to discuss EBP as it relates to treatment and not assessment. Reported barriers to EBP implementation were insufficient time, limited funding, and restrictions from their employment setting. SLPs found it difficult to translate research findings to clinical practice. SLPs implemented external research evidence when they did not have enough clinical expertise regarding a specific client or when they needed scientific evidence to support a strategy they used. Conclusions SLPs appear to use EBP for specific reasons and not for every clinical decision they make. In addition, SLPs rely on EBP for treatment decisions and not for assessment decisions. Educational systems potentially present other challenges that need to be considered for EBP implementation. Considerations for implementation science and the research-to-practice gap are discussed.

Facilitating Parental Involvement in Speech Therapy for Children With Speech Sound Disorders: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists' Practices, Perspectives, and Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1987-1996
Author(s):  
Sherine R. Tambyraja
Keyword(s):  
Parental Involvement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Speech Therapy ◽  
Speech Sound ◽  
Speech Sound Disorders ◽  
Speech Sound Disorder ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based ◽  
Homework Completion

Purpose This study investigated the extent to which speech-language pathologists (SLPs) facilitate parents' completion of homework activities for children with speech sound disorder (SSD). In addition, this study explored factors related to more consistent communication about homework completion and strategies considered particularly effective for supporting this element of parental involvement. Method Licensed SLPs serving at least one child with SSD were invited to participate in an online survey. Questions relevant to this study gathered information regarding (a) frequency of communication about homework distribution and follow-up, (b) demographic and workplace characteristics, and (c) an open-ended question about the specific strategies used to support parental involvement and completion of homework activities. Results Descriptive results indicated considerable variability with respect to how frequently SLPs engaged in communication about homework completion, but that school-based SLPs were significantly less likely to engage in this type of follow-up. Strategies considered effective, however, were similar across therapy contexts. Conclusion These results suggest potentially important differences between school-based services and therapy in other contexts with respect to this particular aspect of service provision for children with SSD.

Maximizing Expertise and Collaboration to Support Students With Brain Injury: A Case Study in Speech-Language Pathology

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 1267-1282
Author(s):  
Jessica Salley ◽  
Sarah Krusen ◽  
Margaret Lockovich ◽  
Bethany Wilson ◽  
Brenda Eagan-Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Medical Setting ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Team Members ◽  
School Activities ◽  
School Based ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Specialized Education

Purpose Through a hypothetical case study, this article aimed to describe an evidence-based approach for speech-language pathologists in managing students with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly within a formal statewide-supported school-based brain injury team model, such as the BrainSTEPS Brain Injury School Consulting Program operating in Pennsylvania and Colorado. Conclusion Upon transitioning from the medical setting back to school, children with TBI present with unique educational needs. Children with moderate-to-severe TBIs can demonstrate a range of strengths and deficits in speech, language, cognition, and feeding and swallowing, impacting their participation in various school activities. The specialized education, training, and insight of speech-language pathologists, in collaboration with multidisciplinary medical and educational team members, can enable the success of students with TBI when transitioning back to school postinjury ( DePompei & Blosser, 2019 ; DePompei & Tyler, 2018 ). This transition should focus on educational planning, implementation of strategies and supports, and postsecondary planning for vocations or higher education.

School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Adherence to Practice Guidelines for Assessment of English Learners

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Virginia L. Dubasik ◽  
Dubravka Svetina Valdivia
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Practice Guidelines ◽  
Case History ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
Federal Legislation ◽  
Assessment Practices ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based

Purpose The purpose of this study was to ascertain the extent to which school-based speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) assessment practices with individual English learners (ELs) align with federal legislation and professional practice guidelines. Specifically, we were interested in examining SLPs' use of multiple tools during individual EL assessments, as well as relationships between practices and number of types of training experiences. Method School-based SLPs in a Midwestern state were recruited in person or via e-mail to complete an online survey pertaining to assessment. Of the 562 respondents who completed the survey, 222 (39.5%) indicated past or present experience with ELs, and thus, their data were included in the analyses. The questionnaire solicited information about respondent's demographics, caseload composition, perceived knowledge and skills and training experiences pertaining to working with ELs (e.g., graduate school, self-teaching, professional conferences), and assessment practices used in schools. Results The majority of respondents reported using multiple tools rather than a single tool with each EL they assess. Case history and observation were tools used often or always by the largest number of participants. SLPs who used multiple tools reported using both direct (e.g., standardized tests, dynamic assessment) and indirect tools (e.g., case history, interviews). Analyses revealed low to moderate positive associations between tools, as well as the use of speech-language samples and number of types of training experiences. Conclusions School-based SLPs in the current study reported using EL assessment practices that comply with federal legislation and professional practice guidelines for EL assessment. These results enhance our understanding of school-based SLPs' assessment practices with ELs and may be indicative of a positive shift toward evidence-based practice.

Forum: Morphological Awareness as a Key Factor in Language-Literacy Success for Academic Achievement

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-513
Author(s):  
Ashley Bourque Meaux ◽  
Julie A. Wolter ◽  
Ginger G. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Literacy Development ◽  
Morphological Awareness ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based ◽  
Literacy Success ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Language And Literacy Development

Purpose This article introduces the Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools Forum: Morphological Awareness as a Key Factor in Language-Literacy Success for Academic Achievement. The goal of this forum is to relate the influence morphological awareness (MA) has on overall language and literacy development with morphology acting as the “binding agent” between orthography, phonology, and semantics ( Perfetti, 2007 ) in assessment and intervention for school-aged children. Method This introduction provides a foundation for MA development and explores the influence MA has over the course of school-aged language and literacy development. Through summaries of the 11 articles in this forum, school-based speech-language pathologists will be able to convey the importance of MA to promote successful educational outcomes for kindergarten to adolescent students. The forum explores researcher-developed assessments used to help identify MA skill level in first- through eighth-grade students at risk for literacy failure to support instructional needs. The forum also provides school-based speech-language pathologists with details to design and implement MA interventions to support academic success for school-aged students with varying speech-language needs (e.g., dual language emersion, vocabulary development, reading comprehension) using various service delivery models (e.g., small group, classroom-based, intensive summer camps). Conclusion MA is effective in facilitating language and literacy development and as such can be an ideally focused on using multilinguistic approaches for assessment and intervention. The articles in this issue highlight the importance in assessment measures and intervention approaches that focus on students' MA to improve overall academic success in children of all ages and abilities.

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