ERIC Number: EJ1346652
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1368-2822
EISSN: EISSN-1460-6984
Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Speech and Language Therapists Working with Adult Dysphagia: A National Survey
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, v56 n5 p1037-1052 Sep-Oct 2021
Background: Speech and language therapists (SLTs) working with dysphagia have had to radically alter diagnostic and rehabilitation services during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, hereafter referred to as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Given the aerosol-generating procedures inherent in swallow assessment and interventions, these SLTs have also been particularly susceptible to virus exposure. Aims: To investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on SLTs working with adult dysphagia across the Republic of Ireland and to identify the personal and professional factors associated with depression, anxiety, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To explore SLT perspectives regarding their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods & Procedures: A cross-sectional 34-item online survey was developed and piloted. The survey collected demographic details and professional factors and it incorporated the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale--21 (DASS-21) and the Impact of Event Scale--Revised (IES-R). The survey also sought SLT perspectives regarding their experiences during the pandemic. It was distributed to Irish SLT managers, the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) and the Irish Dysphagia Special Interest Group (SIG) for dissemination. Outcomes & Results: A total of 94 SLTs working with adults with dysphagia across Ireland responded. In total, 60% of respondents screened positive for depression, anxiety, stress and/or PTSD. Based on the DASS-21, 38% screened positive for depression (mean score = 8.0; SD = 6.3), 36% screened positive for anxiety (mean score = 6.5; SD = 6.0), and 49% screened positive for stress (mean score = 15.4; SD = 6.9). A total of 26% of respondents screened positive for PTSD (mean IES-R total score = 22.6; SD = 16.0). Factors associated with depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD were young age (p = 0.002), limited clinical experience (p = 0.01) and not living with children (p = 0.02). A thematic analysis of SLT perspectives identified four main themes: 'fear of COVID-19 infection and transmission', 'uncertainty regarding policies and procedures', 'changes in SLT roles and responsibilities' and 'increased workload'. Conclusions & Implications: This study highlights the psychological impact of COVID-19 on SLTs working with adults with dysphagia in Ireland and identifies SLTs who are at risk of depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings may assist employers to identify staff who require psychological support and long-term follow-up during this pandemic and any future health emergencies.
Descriptors: Allied Health Personnel, Speech Language Pathology, Eating Disorders, Rehabilitation, COVID-19, Pandemics, Motor Reactions, At Risk Persons, Psychological Patterns, Adults, Depression (Psychology), Anxiety, Stress Variables, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Experience, Foreign Countries, Attitudes, Age Differences, Family Structure, Fear, Knowledge Level, Role, Responsibility
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ireland
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Impact of Event Scale
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A