Summary
Introduction
Adherence to voice therapy is essential in achieving successful voice outcomes. Previous
studies within the field of voice therapy have suggested that shorter wait times and
utilization of an interprofessional practice (IPP) model of care have a positive effect
on voice therapy completion rates. While the implementation of IPP has gained popularity,
especially at academic voice centers, the majority of speech-language pathologists
(SLP) practice in a traditional (T) setting where they are unaffiliated with the referring
otolaryngologist.
Purpose
This study aims to further examine how SLP practice models (interprofessional vs traditional)
affect voice therapy initiation and completion rates. The secondary aim is to determine
if voice therapy attendance rates have changed since the authors’ initial investigations
over 10 years ago.
Methods
A retrospective chart review of 452 patients was conducted. Data was collected on
patient demographics (sex, age), diagnosis, severity of dysphonia (CAPE-V), quality
of life impact (V-RQOL raw score), practice setting (IPP vs T), date of referral,
date of voice therapy initial evaluation, number of therapy sessions completed, and
attendance to therapy sessions defined as completion or dropout.
Results/Conclusions
Initiation of voice therapy treatment was the point in the referral process that was
most impacted by practice model. Over half (53%) of referrals to voice therapy in
a traditional practice model did not lead to initiation of treatment, while only 23%
of the referrals taking place in an IPP model failed to initiate (P < 0.001). This study also demonstrated an improving, but continued rate of noninitiation
and dropout from voice therapy when compared to data that was collected 10 years prior.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 17, 2021
Accepted:
December 15,
2020
Footnotes
Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Disclosures: The authors have no declarations of interest.
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
