Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Author Spotlight: A Multi-Depth Porcine Model for Comprehensive Study of Burn Injuries and Healing Processes
Published on: February 23, 2024
The speech-language pathologist's role in multidisciplinary burn care: An international perspective
Anna F Rumbach1, Nicola A Clayton2, Michael J Muller3
1School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Speech Pathology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
Purpose:
To explore international practices of speech-language pathology (SLP) within burn care in order to provide direction for education, training and clinical practice of the burns multidisciplinary team (MDT).
Method(S):
A 17-item online survey was designed by two SLPs experienced in burn care with a range of dichotomous, multiple choice and open-ended response questions investigating the availability and scope of practice for SLPs associated with burn units. The survey was distributed via professional burn association gatekeepers. All quantitative data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.
Result(S):
A total of 240 health professionals, from 6 different continents (37 countries) participated within the study. All continents reported access to SLP services. Referral criteria for SLP were largely uniform across continents. The most dominant area of SLP practice was assessment and management of dysphagia, which was conducted in concert with other members of the MDT.
Conclusion:
SLP has an international presence within burn care that is currently still emerging.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
01:22Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:19Restorative Care
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management