Translating Technology Into Speech-Language Pathology Practice: Qualitative Interviews Using Transcranial Magnetic...

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Neuroscience
• Clinical implementation science

Background:

• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) utilize various technologies, with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) emerging for communication and swallowing disorders.
• SLPs are likely to deliver TMS, necessitating early consideration of their attitudes and potential barriers to adoption.
• Existing research on SLP attitudes toward TMS is limited, particularly concerning profession-wide research-to-practice gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore determinants of SLP behavior influencing TMS adoption in speech-language pathology practice.
• To examine these behavioral determinants within the context of broader research-to-practice gaps in the profession.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 SLPs across novice, intermediate, and expert TMS knowledge levels.
• Reflexive thematic analysis was employed for data coding, guided by the refined Theoretical Domains Framework (rTDF).
• The rTDF informed study design, analysis, interpretation, and the development of recommendations.

Main Results:

• Four key determinants of SLP behavior emerged: knowledge/experience, professional role perceptions, mindset/emotions, and environmental factors.
• Results were categorized into TMS-specific determinants and broader, profession-wide issues.
• Specific determinants included actual knowledge, perceived capabilities, optimism/pessimism, and external influences.

Conclusions:

• Numerous TMS-specific behavioral factors can impede its translation into speech-language pathology practice.
• These factors are compounded by significant profession-wide research-to-practice translation issues.
• A taxonomy of nine recommendations is proposed to bridge these gaps, facilitating the implementation of TMS and other technologies.