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.

Using Telepractice to Support the Management of Head and Neck Cancer: Key Considerations for Speech-Language Pathology Service Planning, Establishment, and Evaluation

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (13) ◽  
pp. 139-146
Author(s):  
Clare L. Burns ◽  
Laurelie R. Wall
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Clinical Patient ◽  
Research Reporting ◽  
Language Pathology

With the rise of technology-enhanced health services, there is a growing opportunity to use telepractice to address the challenges associated with accessing and delivering speech-language pathology head and neck cancer (HNC) services. With an emerging body of research reporting clinical, patient and service benefits, careful planning and coordination of a range of factors are required to integrate these new models into routine speech-language pathology practice. This paper provides a review of current evidence and key professional policy documents to assist clinicians in the development of speech-language pathology HNC telepractice services. Important aspects of service design such as mode and configuration of technology, patient suitability, staff support, and training, as well as strategies for service establishment and evaluation are discussed. Consideration of these aspects is important to ensure that future speech-language pathology HNC telepractice services meet clinical, technical, and operational requirements to support successful service implementation and long-term sustainability.

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 role of allied healthcare professionals in head and neck cancer surveillance: A systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Rocke ◽  
Oliver Mclaren ◽  
John Hardman ◽  
George Garas ◽  
Matthew E Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Cancer Surveillance ◽  
Allied Healthcare
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