Why do clinicians choose the therapies and techniques they do? Exploring clinical decision-making via treatment selections in dysphagia practice.

Why do clinicians choose the therapies and techniques they do? Exploring clinical decision-making via treatment selections in dysphagia practice.

Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2016 Apr 7;:1-8

Authors: McCurtin A, Healy C

Abstract
PURPOSE: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are assumed to use evidence-based practice to inform treatment decisions. However, the reasoning underpinning treatment selections is not well known. Understanding why SLPs choose the treatments they do may be clarified by exploring the reasoning tied to specific treatments such as dysphagia interventions.
METHOD: An electronic survey methodology was utilised. Participants were accessed via the gatekeepers of two national dysphagia special interest groups representing adult and paediatric populations. Information was elicited on the dysphagia therapies and techniques used and on the reasoning for using/not using therapies. Data was analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics.
RESULT: The survey had a 74.8% response rate (n = 116). Consensus in both treatment selections and reasoning supporting treatment decisions was evident. Three favoured interventions (texture modification, thickening liquids, positioning changes) were identified. The reasoning supporting treatment choices centred primarily on client suitability and clinician knowledge. Knowledge reflected both absent knowledge (e.g. training) and accumulated knowledge (clinical experience).
CONCLUSION: Dysphagia practice appears highly-defined, being characterised by group consensus regarding both preferred treatments and the reasoning underpinning treatment selections. Treatment selections are based on two core criteria: client suitability and the SLPs experience/knowledge. Explicit scientific reasoning is less influential than practice-centric influences.

PMID: 27063701 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #ENT via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1S71l2G
via IFTTT