Comparisons between therapists' and patients' views of dysphonia: a survey study

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) recognise the need to involve patients in the design and implementation of services. The present study describes the results of a questionnaire survey undertaken among SLTs working with patients with voice disorders to determine whether patients' and therapists' views on issues around dysphonia were in harmony. The SLTs' views of patients' disabilities and handicaps associated with dysphonia are reported and compared with those of an earlier survey of patient-reported difficulties (Scott et al. Clin Otolaryngol 1997; 22: 37-40). A close, but incomplete, match of therapists' and patients' views of dysphonia is reported and discussed.