Title:
Speech-language pathologists' perceptions of their academic preparation for providing dysphagia services
Author:
Meretu G. Kitila
Thesis Advisor:
Lena Caesar
Committee Member:
Janet Preis
Committee Member:
Andrea Atticks
Degree Granting Institution:
Loyola University Maryland--College of Arts and Sciences
Place:
Baltimore (Md.)
Publisher:
Loyola University Maryland
Date Created:
2017
Type of Resource:
text
Genre:
thesis
Language:
eng
Format:
application/pdf
Physical Form:
electronic
Digital Source:
born digital
Abstract:
The speech-language pathology scope of practice includes at least eight different service delivery areas, one of which is the provision of swallowing evaluation and treatment. Swallowing is a complex mechanism involving the integration of neural controls across a variety of voluntary and reflexive actions. Disordered swallowing, known as dysphagia, can result from a variety of conditions which cause changes in the functions and/or structures involved in swallowing. Dysphagia is associated with risks such as malnutrition and dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, decreased quality of life, and even mortality. In healthcare settings, speech-language pathologists are considered the experts on dysphagia management. Given the unique risks involved in the management of dysphagia, it is crucial that speech-language pathologists receive adequate academic preparation in this service delivery area. The purpose of this study was to investigate speech-language pathologists' perceptions of their academic preparation for providing dysphagia services, the factors that are associated with these perceptions, and the relationship between their perceptions of preparation and confidence levels for providing dysphagia services. This study utilized an online survey to collect information from 343 US-based speech-language pathologists who currently provide dysphagia services in their work settings. Results indicate that a majority of respondents did not perceive that they were prepared to provide dysphagia services following graduate school, though they generally reported feeling confident to provide these services currently. Factors associated with perceptions of preparation are discussed. These findings have implications for future research and for consideration by speech-language pathology graduate programs.
Subject:
Electronic dissertations
Degree:
Master of Science
Level:
Master
Discipline:
Speech-Language-Hearing Pathology
Restrictions on Access:
Author has given permission to make this work available online.
Use and Reproduction:
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Identifier:
KitilaMG-17
