Communication and swallowing management in childhood brain tumour or leukaemia: A survey of health professionals and consumers.
Sara ChamiRosemary HodgesEmma CampbellStefani R KnijnikKimberley M DockingPublished in: International journal of speech-language pathology (2021)
Purpose: Brain tumour and leukaemia represent the most common childhood cancers and can result in communication and swallowing difficulties. The purpose of this study was to survey health professionals and consumers regarding the management of communication and swallowing difficulties in children with brain tumour or leukaemia (CBTL).Method: In this study participants completed a survey focussing on (1) communication and swallowing assessment and intervention, (2) multidisciplinary team (MDT) practices and (3) risk factors. Quantitative data were reported using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed using NVivo12 Qualitative Data Analysis Software.Result: Twenty-four participants were included (22 health professionals; two consumers). Most participants (≥80%) agreed that comprehensive and regular communication and swallowing assessments improved outcomes. Communication and swallowing interventions were reported to improve outcomes by 96% of participants. MDT care was considered essential in improving outcomes. Speech-language pathologists were the primary health professional identified in communication management; additional multidisciplinary health professionals were highlighted in swallowing management. Risk factors were identified across three categories: cancer-related, treatment-related and child-factors.Conclusion: This study collates the expertise and experience of multidisciplinary health professionals and consumers which can be used to guide assessment and intervention for communication and swallowing in CBTL. It also provides perspectives on MDT care and consideration of patient values and risk factors.
Keyphrases
- risk factors
- data analysis
- healthcare
- quality improvement
- randomized controlled trial
- primary care
- mental health
- systematic review
- white matter
- public health
- cross sectional
- electronic health record
- type diabetes
- metabolic syndrome
- risk assessment
- multiple sclerosis
- autism spectrum disorder
- social media
- brain injury
- early life
- health promotion
- combination therapy
- blood brain barrier
- insulin resistance