Speech-Language Pathologists' Use of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Adult Patients With...

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Clinical assessment
• Patient-reported outcomes

Background:

• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) typically use performance-based measures for cognitive-communication disorders.
• Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can capture subjective aspects like cognitive fatigue.
• Understanding SLPs' current use of PROMs is crucial for improving clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical use of PROMs by SLPs for patients with cognitive-communication disorders.
• To identify barriers and needs related to PROM implementation in this population.
• To explore gaps in measuring patient health-related quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 95 SLPs assessing current PROM use, needs, and barriers.
• A convergent mixed-methods design analyzed both quantitative and qualitative survey data.
• Content analysis was used for coding open-ended responses.

Main Results:

• Forty percent of SLPs reported using PROMs, primarily for goal setting and assessing treatment effects.
• Key barriers included patient insight deficits and time constraints.
• Poor implementation and dissemination were identified as significant challenges.

Conclusions:

• Widespread adoption of PROMs for cognitive-communication disorders is limited.
• PROMs are perceived as useful for goal setting by practicing SLPs.
• Future research should focus on implementation strategies and educational initiatives to overcome barriers.