Goal attainment scaling and quality of life of autistic children receiving speech and language therapy in a higher educational institution in the Philippines

Objectives@#This study aimed to describe the demographic profile, intervention sessions, goal attainment scaling (GAS), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of autistic children receiving speech and language therapy (SLT) in a higher educational institution in the Philippines.@*Methods@#Deidentified data from 18 autistic children aged 4–16 years (mean=8.2; SD=2.9) who received SLT for two months were analyzed. Their demographic profile, intervention sessions, GAS scores, and generic HRQOL scores were documented. @*Results@#Most participants were school-age children (n=12; 66%) and were boys (n=14; 78%). After two months, the GAS scores of 11 participants (61%) increased by 1–2 points, whereas the scores of the remaining participants decreased (n=6; 33%) or did not change (n=1; 6%). Their mean generic HRQOL scores before and after SLT were 65.6 (SD=15.2) and 61.2 (SD=17.4), respectively.@*Conclusions@#While the GAS scores increased for most participants, their generic HRQOL scores did not show clinically significant changes after two months of SLT. This can be attributed to the few therapy sessions and short follow-up period. The findings highlight the need to provide long-term support to SLT services of autistic children in the Philippines to document more desirable quality of life outcomes.

Application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology practice: A scoping review

Background@#The use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework is advocated in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) clinical practice. As using the ICF leads to improved quality of life in relation to communication and swallowing compared to the medical model, SLP practitioners are encouraged to adopt the ICF framework in their practice. However, there is a lack of ICF-related literature in the Philippines that can serve as a guide for SLP practitioners. @*Objectives@#The study aimed to identify and describe available international literature and extract key ideas that can serve as a guide for SLP practitioners as they adopt ICF into their practice. @*Methodology@#The York Framework for scoping reviews was utilized. The review consisted of five stages: (1) identifying research questions, (2) identifying relevant literature, (3) identifying eligible literature, (4) data charting, and (5) summarizing and extracting themes. @*Results@#The majority of the articles collated were research studies from developed countries. The ICF was applied equally across all age groups and focused on activities and participation rather than health conditions. Thematic analysis showed that ICF was applied in assessment, intervention, and health care service delivery. @*Conclusion@#Gaps exist in using ICF-based tools in the SLP clinical practice and in the social understanding of the ICF. SLP practitioners are encouraged to learn and adapt the identified ICF-related themes in their practice as it facilitates a holistic understanding of their patient's functioning, disability, and evidence-based clinical decisions, thus, contributing to effective diagnostic and therapeutic processes.

Descriptive survey on the practice patterns of Filipino speech-language pathologists on voice disorders

Purpose@#Filipino speech-language pathologists (SLPs) face challenges in applying evidence-based practice (EBP) due to lack of training, exposure, and experience. Without EBP being embedded in the educational curricula and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), SLPs will continue to face barriers in providing evidencebased services. This study aimed to map the practice patterns of SLPs on voice disorders and benchmark these practices with international evidence-based practice guidelines. @*Methodology@#A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used. Seventeen out of 61 (28%) Filipino SLPs with clinical experience in voice disorders responded to an online survey form. The form was composed of these sections: (1) Practice Profile, (2) Etiologies of Voice Disorders, (3) Case Study, and (4) Clinical Practice Perspectives. The quantitative and qualitative data sets were analyzed to obtain the practice profiles of SLPs and identify gaps in relation to established evidence-based practice patterns. @*Results@#The study revealed that 70% (n=12) of clinicians fall within five years of practice and work at hospitals. Majority of their clients are adults between 26 to 80 years old. On average, clinicians see one to two clients with voice disorders every week and hold around seven to nine voice therapy sessions prior to discharge. Structural pathologies were the most frequent etiology reported. Content analysis revealed that clinicians rely on the use of clinical experience and patient values for assessment and intervention of voice disorders. @*Conclusion@#The findings suggest that Filipino SLPs managing voice disorders predominantly rely on clinical experience and patient values for clinical decision-making. They sparsely use external evidence in assessment, differential diagnosis, and intervention which might compromise the quality of care. To ensure the best patient care, EBP needs to be incorporated in undergraduate education, professional development, and regulatory requirements of the Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists.