Evaluation and Management of Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists' Clinical Practice.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the evaluation and management of dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients by speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

Methods

A 15-question web-based survey sent to SLPs in general clinical practice.

Results

Forty-nine SLPs responded. Although only 8 (17.0%) of the SLPs worked in ALS clinics, 46 (93.9%) had worked with ALS patients. A variety of dysphagia evaluation protocols were used by 43 (97.7%) SLPs. Most SLPs, 40 (88.9%), recommended instrumental assessments, but timing and indication varied greatly: 19 (42.2%) SLPs recommended this at baseline even without bulbar symptoms, whereas others recommended this based on symptoms and/or clinical assessments.

Conclusions

There is currently no uniform

SUBMITTER: Epps D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7034365 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature