Michelle McInerney1, Dinah S Reddihough2,3,4, Paul N Carding5, Christine Imms6. 1. School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 2. Department of Neurodevelopment and Disability, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 3. Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 4. Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 5. Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research (OxINMAHR), Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK, and. 6. Centre of Disability and Development Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
Purpose: In the absence of evidence-based guidelines, this study sought to understand current speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) practice when treating drooling in children with a neurodisability.Method: Descriptive research using cross-sectional survey methodology. Online survey methods were used to obtain specific information on Australian SLPs' self-reported assessment and treatment practices relative to working with children with neurodisability who drool. Questions focussed on level of expertise, treatment approaches and barriers to evidence-based practice (EBP) in this area. Participants were sourced through three targeted associations/organisations. Data were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics.Result: Participants were Australian SLPs who had recent experience working with children with neurodisability who drool (n = 68). They favoured informal rather than formal methods for assessment. Preferred treatment techniques included behavioural intervention methods (46-53%) and modifying positioning (43.3%). Client suitability dominated reasoning regarding treatment selection (60%) with 57% of SLPs reporting EBP barriers. Conclusion: Drooling was perceived to be a complex practice area for which SLPs desire additional education. Despite availability, valid and reliable assessments of drooling were not commonly used. Clinicians have limited evidence to support their practice: further research is needed to establish evidence-based treatments for drooling.
Purpose: In the absence of evidence-based guidelines, this study sought to understand current speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) practice when treating drooling in children with a neurodisability.Method: Descriptive research using cross-sectional survey methodology. Online survey methods were used to obtain specific information on Australian SLPs' self-reported assessment and treatment practices relative to working with children with neurodisability who drool. Questions focussed on level of expertise, treatment approaches and barriers to evidence-based practice (EBP) in this area. Participants were sourced through three targeted associations/organisations. Data were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics.Result: Participants were Australian SLPs who had recent experience working with children with neurodisability who drool (n = 68). They favoured informal rather than formal methods for assessment. Preferred treatment techniques included behavioural intervention methods (46-53%) and modifying positioning (43.3%). Client suitability dominated reasoning regarding treatment selection (60%) with 57% of SLPs reporting EBP barriers. Conclusion: Drooling was perceived to be a complex practice area for which SLPs desire additional education. Despite availability, valid and reliable assessments of drooling were not commonly used. Clinicians have limited evidence to support their practice: further research is needed to establish evidence-based treatments for drooling.
Entities:
Keywords:
Australian SLPs; children; drooling; neurodisability; practice