Use of Standardized Dysphagia Protocols in Clinical Practice: A Survey of U.S. Speech-Language Pathologists.
Objective: This study aims to examine the practice and adoption of standardized dysphagia evaluation protocols among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States. Design: We used online web-based quantitative survey. Method: The survey was developed and distributed between April 12, 2022...
| Publicado en: | Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research Vol. 69; no. 1; pp. 46 - 59 |
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| Autores principales: | , , , |
| Formato: | Artículo |
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American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Jan2026
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | Ver este registro en EBSCOhost |
| fields | @attributes: recordID: 1 pdfLink: plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ssf&AN=190839084&site=ehost-live header: @attributes: shortDbName: ssf uiTerm: 190839084 longDbName: Social Sciences Full Text (H.W. Wilson) uiTag: AN controlInfo: bkinfo: jinfo: jid: 10924388 1SM jtl: Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research issn: 10924388 maglogo: N pubinfo: dt: Jan2026 vid: 69 iid: 1 pid: 42 pub: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association artinfo: ui: 190839084 10.1044/2025_JSLHR-25-00345 ppf: 46 ppct: 13 formats: fmt: @attributes: type: P size: 855KB tig: atl: Use of Standardized Dysphagia Protocols in Clinical Practice: A Survey of U.S. Speech-Language Pathologists. aug: au: Carnaby, Giselle Crane, Kathryn Gosa, Memorie Suiter, Debra affil: Department of Health Sciences, School of Health Professions, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio Department of Communicative Disorders, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Kentucky, Lexington su: United States Quantitative research Age distribution Analysis of variance Psychosocial factors Speech therapists Medical protocols Computer software Cronbach's alpha Statistical hypothesis testing Data analysis Diagnostic imaging Pilot projects Research evaluation Questionnaires Sample size (Statistics) Logistic regression analysis Speech-language pathology Descriptive statistics Chi-squared test Work experience (Employment) Surveys Physician practice patterns Statistics Delphi method Confidence intervals Data analysis software Point-of-care testing Deglutition disorders Patient positioning sug: subj: Quantitative research Age distribution Analysis of variance Psychosocial factors United States Software publishers (except video game publishers) Computer and software stores Computer, computer peripheral and pre-packaged software merchant wholesalers Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance Diagnostic Imaging Centers Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists Speech therapists Medical protocols Computer software Cronbach's alpha Statistical hypothesis testing Data analysis Diagnostic imaging Pilot projects Research evaluation Questionnaires Sample size (Statistics) Logistic regression analysis Speech-language pathology Descriptive statistics Chi-squared test Work experience (Employment) Surveys Physician practice patterns Statistics Delphi method Confidence intervals Data analysis software Point-of-care testing Deglutition disorders Patient positioning ab: Objective: This study aims to examine the practice and adoption of standardized dysphagia evaluation protocols among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States. Design: We used online web-based quantitative survey. Method: The survey was developed and distributed between April 12, 2022, and June 16, 2022. It was open to SLPs working with individuals with dysphagia across settings and populations. It consisted of 40 questions designed to capture the timing of assessments, swallowing components used, use of imaging protocols, characteristics of imaging protocols, and implementation of research-supported protocols in clinical practice. Results: In total, 520 practicing SLPs completed the survey. Most respondents were master's-level clinicians working in adult inpatient care settings with > 15 years of experience in dysphagia management. Analyses revealed significant differences in practice patterns by age and dysphagia experience of the SLP but not by education level. Younger clinicians (< 45 years) infrequently reported using clinical/bedside evaluations, F(3, 450) = 3.1, p < .03, and relied heavily upon imaging assessments. Although imaging assessments were commonly accessed (81.4%), younger clinicians rarely utilized measured bolus amounts, and they more often applied numerous bolus trials (4+) during imaging, F(4, 327) = 3.7, p < .006. When aspiration was observed, clinicians were more likely to change patient positioning and offer maneuvers rather than modify bolus type or amounts (χ2 = 30.2, p < .017). Using bolus/texture modification guidelines (i.e., International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative Framework) is uncommon. Conclusions: Although commonly applied, oropharyngeal dysphagia assessment techniques vary considerably, highlighting the need for greater consistency in clinical practice. The practice patterns of younger clinicians may reflect possible limitations in educational practices or an increased workplace burden in managing dysphagia. These data establish the need to develop and disseminate professionally endorsed guidelines for the assessment of dysphagia. pubtype: Academic Journal doctype: Article src: R language: English refInfo: copyright: @attributes: flag: N holdings: @attributes: islocal: N |
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