Management of communication function following non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage: a survey examining speech-language therapists’ clinical practices and perspectives

ABSTRACT

Non-traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage [Nt-SAH] is a type of haemorrhagic stroke which commonly occurs following cerebral aneurysm. While communication impairments are a known complication of Nt-SAH, little is known about speech-language therapists’ [SLTs] clinical practices and perspectives with this population. This study aimed to examine the clinical practices and perspectives of Australian SLTs in assessing and managing communication function following Nt-SAH. An anonymous web-based survey was developed and reported according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-surveys (CHERRIES). The survey comprised 21 items across four domains: (1) Demographic and service context information, (2) Practices in managing communication function following SAH, (3) Clinician self-rated confidence and satisfaction, and (4) Information sources, research, and training priorities. The survey was distributed via multiple online platforms to practicing SLTs in Australia. Open-ended responses were analysed using content analysis, while closed-ended responses were analysed using frequency counts/percentages. Twenty-seven participants’ responses were analysed. Cognitive-communication impairments were the most frequently reported communication impairment observed (85.7%) in the Nt-SAH population. Assessment was primarily conducted using informal measures (70.4%). Provision of education (89.2%) and compensatory management strategies (85.7%) were the most frequently reported interventions provided. SLTs use a range of assessment and treatment options for communication function in the Nt-SAH population. Further research is required to develop assessment and intervention specific to the Nt-SAH population for implementation in clinical practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Communication
• subarachnoid haemorrhage
• clinical practice
• online survey

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants for their contribution to the study.

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Katrina Dunn

Katrina Dunn is the Director of Speech Pathology and Audiology at West Moreton Hospital and Health Service.

Tenille Pollock

Tenille Pollock is a speech pathologist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. She has recently graduated with a BSpPath(Hons) from The University of Queensland.

Emma Finch

Emma Finch (BSpPath(Hons), PhD) is a Conjoint Senior Research Fellow between The University of Queensland and the Princess Alexandra Hospital (Brisbane, Australia), and a Speech Pathologist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (Brisbane, Australia).

Anna Rumbach

Anna Rumbach is a Senior Lecturer in Speech Pathology at The University of Queensland.