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Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
Understanding Cognitive Communication Needs in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Issues Identified at the 2020
Angela Ciccia1, Jennifer P Lundine2,3, Katy H O'Brien4
1Communication Sciences Program, Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.
Insights
Researchers identified key areas for improving cognitive-communication disorder (CCD) care, focusing on terminology, training, and interdisciplinary teams, especially for pediatric traumatic brain injury patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Pediatric Care
Background:
- Cognitive-Communication Disorders (CCDs) impact individuals across the lifespan.
- Advances in understanding and treating CCDs require ongoing discussion and collaboration.
- The second International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference (ICCDC) convened experts to address pressing issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore four critical areas identified at the ICCDC: terminology, training, interdisciplinary teams, and pediatrics.
- To examine the intersection of terminology, training, and teams in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) care.
- To propose advancements in clinical service provision for individuals with CCDs, particularly children.
Main Methods:
- The study is based on discussions and presentations from the ICCDC.
- It involves an in-depth exploration of identified themes.
- Two case studies are presented to illustrate practical applications.
Main Results:
- Four key areas requiring attention in CCD care were identified: terminology, training, interdisciplinary teams, and pediatrics.
- The intersection of these themes is particularly crucial in pediatric TBI.
- Case studies demonstrate the integration of these elements in clinical practice.
Conclusions:
- Speech-language pathology has evolved significantly in addressing CCDs.
- Opportunities exist to further advance the support provided by speech-language pathologists to individuals with CCDs.
- Focusing on pediatric populations and interdisciplinary approaches is vital for future progress.
Abstract:
Purpose In early 2020, the second International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference was held to provide an opportunity for researchers and clinician-scientists to discuss the most recent advances and pressing issues in the care of individuals with cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs). Presentations and discussions resulted in the identification of four areas in need of attention: (a) terminology, (b) training, (c) interdisciplinary teams, and (d) pediatrics. We will explore the four themes identified at ICCDC, specifically expanding on how terminology, training, and teams intersect in pediatric traumatic brain injury care. Additionally, we will provide two case studies to highlight the integration of these themes and suggest ways to advance clinical service provision across medical and educational settings for persons with CCDs through the lens of pediatrics. Conclusion While speech-language pathology has come a long way since the original discussion of CCD over 30 years ago, clinicians and researchers have ongoing opportunities to help advance the ways in which speech-language pathologists offer support to persons, specifically children, with CCDs and to continue to advance the profession.
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