Collaborative working between pediatric speech and language therapy and ENT colleagues: what is good practice?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Multidisciplinary Healthcare

Background:

• Communication and listening development are vulnerable to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions.
• Children with physical anomalies impacting speech, resonance, or voice require specialized assessment.
• Persistent communication difficulties can occur even after physical ENT issues resolve.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on best practices for joint pediatric speech and language therapy (SLT) and ENT assessment and management.
• To focus on children with communication issues related to physical anomalies and mild/fluctuating hearing loss.
• To evaluate the role of multidisciplinary teams in decision-making, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current evidence on pediatric SLT and ENT collaboration.
• Analysis of factors influencing surgical and SLT intervention decisions.
• Consideration of environmental management and family involvement in speech therapy.

Main Results:

• Research on pediatric ENT and SLT outcomes is limited.
• Multiple factors influence decisions on surgical or SLT interventions.
• Effective speech therapy relies on environmental management, family involvement, and well-timed, regular interventions.

Conclusions:

• Integrated SLT and ENT care is essential for children with communication disorders.
• Optimizing the timing of surgical and speech interventions enhances service targeting and cost-effectiveness.
• Long-term communication support is vital, as difficulties may persist beyond initial ENT treatment.