The implementation of evidence-based practice in the management of adults with functional voice disorders: A national survey of speech-language pathologists

Abstract

This study examined Australian speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) use of evidence-based practice (E³BP) when treating adults with functional voice disorders (FVDs). It was hypothesized that SLPs would report using the available evidence to care for their clients but may be limited by time and skills. Fifty-eight SLPs completed a 26-item survey. A combination of indirect and direct voice therapy was most frequently reported, with hum and nasal consonants, pitch extension, elimination of glottal attack, and diaphragmatic breathing being the most frequently used techniques. In the absence of higher levels of evidence, 98% of respondents reported they relied on clinical experience to guide their clinical decision-making. Despite a lack of research evidence supporting this decision, SLPs also reported simultaneously using a combination of direct voice therapies to cater to the needs of their individual clients. Barriers to EBP were lack of time, specialty training and high quality evidence. To improve SLPs’ management of adults with FVDs, it is suggested that SLPs need both greater access to voice training and to use practice-based evidence by actively collecting and reporting clinical data.

Keywords::

• Functional voice disorders
• voice management
• evidence-based practice
• practice-based evidence

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the SLPs who responded to the survey and Dr Robert Heard for his assistance with statistical analysis.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.