Communication and swallowing management in childhood brain tumour or leukaemia: A survey of health professionals and consumers

Abstract

Purpose: Brain tumour and leukaemia represent the most common childhood cancers and can result in communication and swallowing difficulties. The purpose of this study was to survey health professionals and consumers regarding the management of communication and swallowing difficulties in children with brain tumour or leukaemia (CBTL).

Method: In this study participants completed a survey focussing on (1) communication and swallowing assessment and intervention, (2) multidisciplinary team (MDT) practices and (3) risk factors. Quantitative data were reported using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using NVivo12 Qualitative Data Analysis Software.

Result: Twenty-four participants were included (22 health professionals; two consumers). Most participants (≥80%) agreed that comprehensive and regular communication and swallowing assessments improved outcomes. Communication and swallowing interventions were reported to improve outcomes by 96% of participants. MDT care was considered essential in improving outcomes. Speech-language pathologists were the primary health professional identified in communication management; additional multidisciplinary health professionals were highlighted in swallowing management. Risk factors were identified across three categories: cancer-related, treatment-related and child-factors.

Conclusion: This study collates the expertise and experience of multidisciplinary health professionals and consumers which can be used to guide assessment and intervention for communication and swallowing in CBTL. It also provides perspectives on MDT care and consideration of patient values and risk factors.

Keywords:

• children
• cancer
• communication
• swallowing
• multidisciplinary
• risk factors

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge contributions made by all participants who gave their valuable time to complete the survey and share their expertise and experiences. The authors thank Professor Angela Morgan, Professor Claire Wakefield, Dr Luciano Dalla-Pozza, Dr Mary-Clare Waugh, Professor Philippe Paquier, Dr Janine Vetsch, Dr Lauren Kelada and Dr Christina Signorelli who provided feedback on survey design.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data available on request from the authors

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Cancer Institute NSW. The funders were not involved in the current study.