Speech-Language Pathology Intervention Protocol for Individuals with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury - Content Validation

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to respiratory and voice impairments.
• Effective speech-language pathology (SLP) interventions are crucial for managing these deficits.
• A structured, evidence-based protocol is needed for consistent and effective SLP care in SCI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the content of an SLP intervention protocol for respiratory and voice training in individuals with SCI.
• To ensure the protocol is based on scientific evidence and expert consensus.
• To refine the protocol through a rigorous validation process.

Main Methods:

• Methodological study using a two-phase approach: protocol development and content validation.
• Protocol development involved a systematic literature review and expert panel process (SEaRCH).
• Content validation utilized the Delphi technique with 22 SLP experts over two rounds, assessing consensus (≥80%) on protocol components.

Main Results:

• Four of six protocol components achieved consensus in the first Delphi round (81.81-100%).
• Vocal instability and frequency modulation initially lacked consensus (68.18%, 69.18%) due to dosage concerns.
• Post-revision, both components reached consensus in the second round (95.65%, 91.30%), resulting in a final protocol with six defined targets.

Conclusions:

• The content validation process confirmed the adequacy and clarity of the developed SLP intervention protocol.
• The final protocol is structured with defined therapeutic targets, ingredients, guidelines, and dosages for SCI.
• This validated protocol provides a foundation for evidence-based SLP interventions in individuals with spinal cord injuries.