Voice assessment practices of speech and language therapists in Ireland

Evidence supports the need for a multiparametric voice assessment incorporating objective and subjective assessment types. European guidelines and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommend a comprehensive voice assessment protocol; however, currently in Ireland, no national standards exist. This study investigates voice assessment practices of speech and language therapists (SLTs) in Ireland, with a particular interest in the use of objective instrumentation. It further elucidates what may act as barriers to the use of instrumental techniques, which has not been addressed in earlier studies. An online questionnaire was distributed to SLTs who work with voice disordered clients, via social media outlets of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapy (IASLT) and the Voice Special Interest Group to obtain both qualitative and quantitative data. Forty-five questionnaires were returned; the results of 33 completed questionnaires are presented here. The results suggest that subjective measures (auditory assessment protocols) are more commonly used by SLTs in Ireland than instrumental techniques. Limited access to equipment, the cost of equipment and low prioritization of voice clients in a large caseload were most frequently named as barriers to the use of instrumental assessment. The SLTs acknowledged the need for and expressed interest in more training on the use of instrumental techniques in the assessment of voice disorders. The results provoke discussion surrounding evidence-based practice in voice assessment and have implications for how instrumental techniques are incorporated in the curriculum of SLT training courses and in the continual professional development.