Factors Influencing Speech Pathology Practice in Dysphagia after Stroke: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

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  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      13
    • Subject Terms:
      Speech Language Pathology; Aphasia; Neurological Impairments; Speech Therapy; Rehabilitation; Allied Health Personnel; Patients; Eating Disorders; Medical Care Evaluation; Skill Development; Clinical Experience
    • Accession Number:
      10.1111/1460-6984.13017
    • ISSN:
      1368-2822
      1460-6984
    • Abstract:
      Background: Dysphagia affects over half of adults after stroke. Dysphagia rehabilitation aims to improve swallowing and reduce negative outcomes for these adults. However, significant variability exists in dysphagia rehabilitation. Research is needed to explore the underlying clinician-specific and workplace factors that contribute to variability in dysphagia rehabilitation after stroke. Aim: To explore factors influencing speech pathology practice in dysphagia rehabilitation after stroke. Methods & Procedures: We used a phenomenological approach with an interpretivist perspective. Twenty speech pathologists working in dysphagia rehabilitation participated from different workplace settings around Australia. Five semi-structured focus groups were conducted online. Data were inductively analysed using thematic analysis with a coding reliability method. Outcomes & Results: Four themes were discussed within focus groups: (1) relationship between experienced and less experienced clinicians: 'Following what other people have done', (2) need for collaborative learning: 'A safe space to share and train', (3) variation between settings impacts on continuity of care: 'There's a difference between community and acute', and (4) working effectively with multidisciplinary teams (MDT): 'An MDT which can listen to the voice of speech pathology'. Conclusions & Implications: Relationships between senior and junior speech pathologists, within speech pathology and MDT, and across inpatient and community settings influenced speech pathology practice. Flattened hierarchies in speech pathology, collaborative learning in workplaces, mutual respect within teams and connection across inpatient and community settings could improve the quality and consistency of dysphagia rehabilitation after stroke.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2024
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1431160