Drooling in children with neurodisability: A survey of Australian speech–language pathologists’ practice

Abstract

Purpose: In the absence of evidence-based guidelines, this study sought to understand current speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) practice when treating drooling in children with a neurodisability.

Method: Descriptive research using cross-sectional survey methodology. Online survey methods were used to obtain specific information on Australian SLPs’ self-reported assessment and treatment practices relative to working with children with neurodisability who drool. Questions focussed on level of expertise, treatment approaches and barriers to evidence-based practice (EBP) in this area. Participants were sourced through three targeted associations/organisations. Data were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics.

Result: Participants were Australian SLPs who had recent experience working with children with neurodisability who drool (n = 68). They favoured informal rather than formal methods for assessment. Preferred treatment techniques included behavioural intervention methods (46–53%) and modifying positioning (43.3%). Client suitability dominated reasoning regarding treatment selection (60%) with 57% of SLPs reporting EBP barriers.

Conclusion: Drooling was perceived to be a complex practice area for which SLPs desire additional education. Despite availability, valid and reliable assessments of drooling were not commonly used. Clinicians have limited evidence to support their practice: further research is needed to establish evidence-based treatments for drooling.

Keywords:

• drooling
• children
• neurodisability
• practice
• Australian SLPs

Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely thank the survey respondents for completing this survey in addition to the SPA and the CPA. The authors thank the Australian Catholic University (ACU) who have provided a research training programme fees offset scholarship and provision of funds through the PRSSS scheme to complete this programme of research. The authors also thank Dr. Michael Steele (Senior Statistician in ACU).

Declaration of interest

The authors have no conflicting interests to report.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2020.1729860.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by funding through a doctoral scholarship from the Australian NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence - Cerebral Palsy (CRE-CP) [No. 1057997].