Victoria S McKenna1, Renee L Gustin2, Rebecca J Howell2, Tulsi H Patel3, Mariah B Emery3, Courtney L Kendall3, Nicholas J Kelliher4. 1. Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. Electronic address: mckennvs@ucmail.uc.edu. 2. Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. 3. Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. 4. Department of Voice, College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To develop educational modules to improve vocal wellness and optimize communication in mask-wearing occupational voice users. METHODS: Module development focused on identifying accurate, understandable, and actionable steps to improve vocal wellness in the workplace. We i) interviewed eight voice-specialized speech-language pathologists and researchers on current speech and voice recommendations for mask-wearers, ii) developed educational content using the standardized Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), iii) assessed the ability of nine mask-wearing community members to learn educational content, and iv) compared behavioral, acoustical, and perceptual changes in four mask-wearing healthcare professionals following educational training. RESULTS: We created three educational modules that described key vocal health and communication strategies, including microphone amplification, postural alignment, clear speech, hydration, vocal naps, and vocal warm-ups. PEMAT scores were 96% and 93% on understandability and actionability, respectively. Mask-wearing healthcare professionals increased use of 4 out of the 6 strategies following educational training and were able to retain information at rates >90% at 1-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a set of free-to-use educational modules to promote vocal wellness among mask-wearing occupational voice users (see VSMechLab.com). Future work should examine the impact of these strategies on voice measures in a larger group of mask-wearing community members.
OBJECTIVE: To develop educational modules to improve vocal wellness and optimize communication in mask-wearing occupational voice users. METHODS: Module development focused on identifying accurate, understandable, and actionable steps to improve vocal wellness in the workplace. We i) interviewed eight voice-specialized speech-language pathologists and researchers on current speech and voice recommendations for mask-wearers, ii) developed educational content using the standardized Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), iii) assessed the ability of nine mask-wearing community members to learn educational content, and iv) compared behavioral, acoustical, and perceptual changes in four mask-wearing healthcare professionals following educational training. RESULTS: We created three educational modules that described key vocal health and communication strategies, including microphone amplification, postural alignment, clear speech, hydration, vocal naps, and vocal warm-ups. PEMAT scores were 96% and 93% on understandability and actionability, respectively. Mask-wearing healthcare professionals increased use of 4 out of the 6 strategies following educational training and were able to retain information at rates >90% at 1-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a set of free-to-use educational modules to promote vocal wellness among mask-wearing occupational voice users (see VSMechLab.com). Future work should examine the impact of these strategies on voice measures in a larger group of mask-wearing community members.
Authors: Nelson Roy; Ray M Merrill; Susan Thibeault; Rahul A Parsa; Steven D Gray; Elaine M Smith Journal: J Speech Lang Hear Res Date: 2004-04 Impact factor: 2.297
Authors: Michelle Magee; Courtney Lewis; Gustavo Noffs; Hannah Reece; Jess C S Chan; Charissa J Zaga; Camille Paynter; Olga Birchall; Sandra Rojas Azocar; Angela Ediriweera; Katherine Kenyon; Marja W Caverlé; Benjamin G Schultz; Adam P Vogel Journal: J Acoust Soc Am Date: 2020-12 Impact factor: 1.840