Current Practices Among Speech-Language Pathologists for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Mixed-Methods Modified Delphi...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), or concussion, presents complex challenges requiring specialized care.
• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary management of mTBI.
• Understanding current clinical practice patterns is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical practice patterns of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specializing in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
• To identify areas of consensus and variability in SLP management of mTBI using a mixed-methods approach.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi approach involving online surveys across two rounds was employed.
• Quantitative content analysis was used to assess consensus, with a 75% agreement threshold.
• Qualitative content analysis explored topics that did not reach consensus.

Main Results:

• High consensus (42/45 items) was achieved on conceptual frameworks, interprofessional teaming, assessment, intervention, goal setting, and outcomes.
• Functional, collaborative, and client-centered care were central to practice.
• Areas lacking consensus included SLP roles in mental/somatic symptoms, specific measurement tools, and intervention dosages.

Conclusions:

• Clear consensus exists among SLPs on core clinical patterns for mTBI management.
• Results will inform current practices and future guidelines, highlighting the need for advocacy and interprofessional education.
• Future research should address identified gaps in measurement tools and intervention methods for mTBI.