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Pediatrician approach to dysphonia.
Mirabelle Sajisevi1, Seth Cohen1, Eileen Raynor1
1Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
Pediatricians face challenges assessing pediatric voice disorders, with many not routinely screening for dysphonia. They are interested in more training to improve patient care and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Voice disorders affect up to 23.4% of children, impacting their quality of life.
- Pediatricians play a crucial role in identifying and managing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how pediatricians assess and manage pediatric voice disorders.
- To identify barriers faced by pediatricians in evaluating patients with dysphonia.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was distributed to pediatricians affiliated with the North Carolina Pediatric Society and Duke University.
- The questionnaire assessed comfort levels, assessment frequency, barriers, referral reasons, and treatments for pediatric voice problems.
Main Results:
- Only 16.7% of responding pediatricians routinely assess for voice problems.
- Common barriers include lack of patient/parent concern and uncertainty about assessment/treatment.
- Referrals are typically made for unintelligible speech or concurrent neurological symptoms; allergy/reflux medications are often trialed first.
Conclusions:
- Pediatricians encounter significant barriers in assessing pediatric voice disorders.
- There is a strong interest among pediatricians in receiving more information and training on dysphonia.
- Enhanced outreach from otolaryngologists is needed to improve pediatrician screening and management of pediatric voice disorders.
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