scholarly journals Communication Impairment in ALS Patients Assessment and Treatment

Author(s):  
Paolo Bongioanni
2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-79
Author(s):  
Grace B. Campbell ◽  
Mary Beth Happ

Ascertaining the symptom experience of chronically critically ill (CCI) patients is difficult because of communication impairment and fluctuations in patient cognition and physiologic conditions. The use of checklist self-report ratings is hampered by the inability of most CCI patients to respond verbally to symptom queries. In addition to the communication problems caused by mechanical ventilation, the apparently diverse idioms of symptom expression add to the potential for miscommunication regarding symptom experience. Although patient communication impairment is a major barrier to symptom identification, symptom assessment and treatment are fundamental components of nursing care for CCI. This article reviews and describes the unique constellation of symptoms experienced by many critically ill patients. We report our observations of symptom communication among CCI patients and nurses and discuss inconsistency in the language of symptom expression among nurses and patients. Clinically applicable strategies to improve nurse-patient symptom communication and suggestions for refinement of symptom assessment in chronic critical illness are provided.


1992 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan G. Kamhi

My response to Fey’s article (1985; reprinted 1992, this issue) focuses on the confusion caused by the application of simplistic phonological definitions and models to the assessment and treatment of children with speech delays. In addition to having no explanatory adequacy, such definitions/models lead either to assessment and treatment procedures that are similarly focused or to procedures that have no clear logical ties to the models with which they supposedly are linked. Narrowly focused models and definitions also usually include no mention of speech production processes. Bemoaning this state of affairs, I attempt to show why it is important for clinicians to embrace broad-based models of phonological disorders that have some explanatory value. Such models are consistent with assessment procedures that are comprehensive in nature and treatment procedures that focus on linguistic, as well as motoric, aspects of speech.


1994 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 77-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin

The number of children with limited English proficiency (LEP) in U.S. public schools is growing dramatically. Speech-language pathologists increasingly receive referrals from classroom teachers for children with limited English proficiency who are struggling in school. The speech-language pathologists are frequently asked to determine if the children have language disorders that may be causing or contributing to their academic difficulties. Most speech-language pathologists are monolingual English speakers who have had little or no coursework or training related to the needs of LEP children. This article discusses practical, clinically applicable ideas for assessment and treatment of LEP children who are language impaired, and gives suggestions for distinguishing language differences from language disorders in children with limited English proficiency.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 326-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Weidner ◽  
Joneen Lowman

Purpose We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding adult telepractice services (screening, assessment, and treatment) from approximately 2014 to 2019. Method Thirty-one relevant studies were identified from a literature search, assessed for quality, and reported. Results Included studies illustrated feasibility, efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, and noninferiority of various speech-language pathology services across adult populations, including chronic aphasia, Parkinson's disease, dysphagia, and primary progressive aphasia. Technical aspects of the equipment and software used to deliver services were discussed. Some general themes were noted as areas for future research. Conclusion Overall, results of the review continue to support the use of telepractice as an appropriate service delivery model in speech-language pathology for adults. Strong research designs, including experimental control, across multiple well-described settings are still needed to definitively determine effectiveness of telepractice services.


2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J. Ball ◽  
Joanne Lasker

Abstract For adults with acquired communication impairment, particularly those who have communication disorders associated with stroke or neurodegenerative disease, communication partners play an important role in establishing and maintaining communicative competence. In this paper, we assemble some evidence on this topic and integrate it with current preferred practice patterns (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2004). Our goals are to help speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identify and describe partner-based communication strategies for adults with acquired impairment, implement evidence-based approaches for teaching strategies to communication partners, and employ a Personnel Framework (Binger et al., 2012) to clarify partners? roles in acquiring and supporting communication tools for individuals with acquired impairments. We offer specific guidance about AAC techniques and message selection for communication partners involved with chronic, degenerative, and end of life communication. We discuss research and provide examples of communication partner supports for person(s) with aphasia and person(s) with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who have complex communication needs.


Author(s):  
Nkiruka Arene ◽  
Argye E. Hillis

Abstract The syndrome of unilateral neglect, typified by a lateralized attention bias and neglect of contralateral space, is an important cause of morbidity and disability after a stroke. In this review, we discuss the challenges that face researchers attempting to elucidate the mechanisms and effectiveness of rehabilitation treatments. The neglect syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder, and it is not clear which of its symptoms cause ongoing disability. We review current methods of neglect assessment and propose logical approaches to selecting treatments, while acknowledging that further study is still needed before some of these approaches can be translated into routine clinical use. We conclude with systems-level suggestions for hypothesis development that would hopefully form a sound theoretical basis for future approaches to the assessment and treatment of neglect.


2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-43
Author(s):  
Lyn Tindall

Telepractice is an exciting addition to the arsenal of speech-language pathologists for delivering services. Efficacy data continues to emerge proving the benefit of using available technology to provide assessment and treatment for persons with a variety of communication disorders, ages, and gender. In addition to providing assessment and treatment using telepractice technology, several professional issues have arisen which must be addressed before implementation of this service delivery system. Licensure and reimbursement have been at the forefront, as well they should. However, client safety is another issue that should also be addressed. Providing speech pathology services in a safe environment is a concept which may not have been considered before technological advances made it possible to provide services to someone while not being physically present.


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