Summary
Objective
Occupational voice users (OVU) are at risk for developing voice disorders (VD). Otolaryngologists
need to advocate for workplace accommodations for these patients. The objective of
this study was to assess the literature on VDs in the workplace and to describe how
results may guide the Otolaryngologist.
Data Sources
EBSCO, PubMed, Google Scholar, UBC libraries, and SpringerLink databases.
Review methods
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for
Scoping Reviews protocol was used to conduct a scoping review from inception to December
30, 2019. Oxford Levels of Evidence were used to assess the quality of included studies.
Common themes and types of accommodations and barriers were explored. This study was
registered with the Open Science Framework Open Source for Collaboration in Scientific
Research (10.17605/OSF.IO/RYDVN).
Results
One hundred and ninety-three abstracts were screened; 32 studies met inclusion criteria.
Oxford Levels of Evidence ranged from 3 to 5. Eight overarching themes were identified:
prevalence of VDs among OVUs; identifying risk factors for VDs; raising awareness
of VDs medico-legally, politically; the education and treatment of VDs, the importance
of diagnosing VDs; measuring the impact of VDs on work productivity; identifying perceived
barriers to integration into the workplace; and calculating the economic costs of
VDs. VDs affect workplace productivity and have associated absenteeism, medical, and economic
costs. Increased awareness and education on the risk factors for VD development can
assist with prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. Accommodations and barriers
are discussed.
Conclusion
There is emerging literature on VDs in the workplace. A multitude of VDs exist with
varying pathologies, associated barriers, and implications for functioning within
the workplace. Otolaryngologists play a unique role in diagnosing voice disorders
and defining and facilitating workplace accommodations.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 09, 2022
Accepted:
March 10,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
Presentations: Poster presentation at the AAO-HNS Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, USA (October 3-6, 2021)
Identification
Copyright
Crown Copyright © 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The Voice Foundation. All rights reserved.
