Article

The aim of this study was to compare current application, practice patterns,
clinical outcomes, and professional attitudes of dysphagia practitioners
regarding electrical stimulation (e-stim) therapy with similar data obtained in
2005. A web-based survey was posted on the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association Special Interest Group 13 webpage for 1 month. A total of 271 survey
responses were analyzed and descriptively compared with the archived responses
from the 2005 survey. Results suggested that e-stim application increased by 47%
among dysphagia practitioners over the last 10 years. The frequency of weekly
e-stim therapy sessions decreased while the reported total number of treatment
sessions increased between the two surveys. Advancement in oral diet was the most
commonly reported improvement in both surveys. Overall, reported satisfaction
levels of clinicians and patients regarding e-stim therapy decreased. Still, the
majority of e-stim practitioners continue to recommend this treatment modality to
other dysphagia practitioners. Results from the novel items in the current survey
suggested that motor level e-stim (e.g. higher amplitude) is most commonly used
during dysphagia therapy with no preferred electrode placement. Furthermore, the
majority of clinicians reported high levels of self-confidence regarding their
ability to perform e-stim. The results of this survey highlight ongoing changes
in application, practice patterns, clinical outcomes, and professional attitudes
associated with e-stim therapy among dysphagia practitioners.

Langue : ANGLAIS