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Challenges and Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathology Services in Comprehensive Head and Neck Cancer Care:
Ben B Levy1,2, Jade Goodman3, Andrea Gomes4,5
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Speech-language pathologists serve a critical role within multidisciplinary head and neck cancer care teams. Provision of speech-language pathology services for head and neck cancer patients varies by region and is not well characterized.
Methods:
A mixed methods scoping assessment was conducted with a purposive sample of speech-language pathologists from designated comprehensive head and neck cancer centers. Each speech-language pathologist completed a 31-item survey and 60-min semi-structured interview.
Results:
Analysis of survey responses and qualitative interviews identified three major themes: unsuitable infrastructure; multilevel barriers; and the need to champion speech-language pathology services. Speech-language pathologists consistently reported inadequate resources, inequitable services, and increasing job responsibilities associated with growing patient complexity and caseloads.
Conclusions:
Significant systemic barriers impede the effective delivery of speech-language pathology services in head and neck cancer care. Our findings and recommendations create an important foundation for healthcare agency decisions on the allocation and funding of speech-language pathology services.
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