Training of Speech and Language Pathologists in Neurogenic Disorders: Enhancing Expertise and Awareness in...

Previous studies conducted in Türkiye (Turkey) have revealed that the level of knowledge and awareness regarding swallowing disorders in neurogenic conditions among speech and language pathology students or graduates is relatively low. Furthermore, differences in curricula across various institutions highlight the need for standardized education in this area. This study aimed to assess changes in the knowledge and awareness levels of speech and language pathologists, as well as their opinions about the training, by organizing an educational programme focused on neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders.

A total of 5 days (40 h) of training was carried out over three weekends, with the participation of 40 expert academicians from 20 different institutions. The training was attended by 247 participants on the first day. Before and after the training, a 40-question questionnaire was administered to measure the knowledge and awareness. One hundred and twenty-nine participants filled out both tests. After the training was completed, a 12-question evaluation questionnaire was applied to the participants.

The number of correct answers given by the participants who completed both the pre-test and post-test increased statistically significantly, from 19.09 ± 3.81 to 21.43 ± 3.67 (p < 0.001). The participants stated that their knowledge and awareness levels about the topics increased after the training, with a mean self-reported score of 8.99± 1.18 out of 10.

This training event was the first of its kind in the field of speech and language pathology in Türkiye. While a statistically significant increase in knowledge and awareness was observed following the training, participants' overall knowledge levels remained relatively low. These findings underscore the need for additional and ongoing training to address existing gaps and further enhance professional competencies in this area.

What is already known on this subject Neurological diseases affect individuals of all age groups and may lead to communication, feeding and swallowing disorders. These problems negatively affect the quality of life of affected individuals and their caregivers. There is a deficiency in the knowledge, awareness and self-confidence levels of speech and language pathologists (SLPs) and SLP students regarding neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders. What this paper adds to existing knowledge There is a need for training and support in the field of neurogenic communication or swallowing disorders both in Turkey and in other countries. In order to address this need, training on neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders was provided to 4th-year students in the SLP undergraduate programme and graduated SLPs in Turkey. What are the potential or clinical implications of this work? With this training, the knowledge and awareness levels of 4th-year students in the SLP undergraduate programme and graduate SLPs regarding neurogenic communication and swallowing disorders have increased. However, at the end of the training, there are still deficiencies in the knowledge levels of the participants, and it is thought that more training may be needed to overcome these deficiencies.