An E-Survey of Current Voice Therapy Practices Amongst Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) in India

Abstract

In India, Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) generally work with ENT surgeons and use a variety of treatment approaches, service delivery methods, feedback modes, and outcome measures in clinical practice while dealing with voice disorders. The practice preferences of the SLPs are based on theoretical and practical exposure during their graduate course, guidance from professional bodies, evidence-based practices, etc. The facilities in the work setting also determine the practice style of the SLP. This study reports information on demographics of the SLPs, nature of patients served, intervention methods, and evidence-based practices followed by the SLPs via an E-survey. Analysis of the survey from 55 SLPs in India, who work in the area of voice revealed that most SLPs had postgraduate (67.27%; n = 37) and doctorate degree (23.63%; n = 13) and worked in medical-related settings (81.81%; n = 45). Therapeutic approaches were practiced as stated in literature by 43.64% (n = 24) of SLPs. Although 56.36% (n = 31) of SLPs modified therapeutic approaches based on the client's needs (75%), literacy (16.66%) and cultural variations (8.33%). Attending Continuing Education Programs and training workshops were required to practice voice. Voice therapy methods (protocols) used by the SLPs were not uniform across India. The development of an indigenous protocol/method for voice therapy is the need of the hour.

Speech–language pathologists’ perceived competence in serving people with Parkinson's in India: A cross‐sectional survey study

“…The actual number of respondents was low compared with the number of SLPs practising in India and to the sample size of survey studies with general topic (e.g., the sample size was 205 in a telepractice survey conducted by Mohan et al., 2017; 215 SLPs participated in an autism‐related survey by Mendonsa & Tiwari, 2018). This proportion might vary if the study demands responses only from those SLPs with specific subject expertise (e.g., 55 SLPs responded to a survey on current voice therapy practices; Venkatraman et al., 2020). Yet, researchers conducting survey studies in India are required to undertake diligent measures to increase SLPs’ response rate to surveys and to improve sample representativeness.…”

Indirect Vocal Therapy as a Treatment Program for Behavioral Dysphonia: A Pilot Study

“…The therapeutic interaction tool refers to clinician-patient dialog focused on psychosocial and emotional aspects that may affect voice production and help patients to solve problems. Hence, clinicians must design individualized voice therapy plans, taking into account a patient’s needs, main concerns, and day-to-day life [15, 17]; this can be described as person-centered care [18].…”