ERIC Number: EJ1355076
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Jul
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0161-1461
EISSN: EISSN-1558-9129
Clinicians' Perspectives of Treatment for Lateralization Errors: A Quantitative and Qualitative Study
Overby, Megan S.; Mazeika, Sarah; DiFazio, Magdalena; Ioli, Julianna; Birch, Katherine; Devorace, Lauren
Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, v53 n3 p749-767 Jul 2022
Purpose: This mixed-methods study aimed to obtain information regarding speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perspectives about treatment of lateralization errors (LEs), challenges to implementing evidence-based LE treatment practice, and the sources SLPs' use to find evidence to treat LEs. This information can assist our understanding of ways to facilitate the uptake of evidence-based practice into the everyday treatment of clients with this disorder. Method: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used to collect data from SLPs (N = 214) using 24 questions from an online survey distributed through electronic mailing lists and Speech and Hearing State Associations. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies and averages; themes and subthemes of qualitative data were analyzed using a content analysis approach with no a priori codes. Quantitative and qualitative results were compared and integrated. Results: Participants believed that LEs required individualized treatment before the age of 5 years, were largely caused by structural and neuromuscular factors, and required an understanding of orofacial and dental structure and function. Challenges to implementing LE treatment included a lack of skills and knowledge specific to LEs, competing demands on clinicians' time and resources, and a research-practice gap. Sources of evidence frequently used to obtain information about LE treatment were colleagues, trainings, workshops, and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association journals. Conclusions: Clinicians believe that LE treatment is challenging and requires skill training. Future research in LEs will need to consider the real-world decisions clinicians must make when treating this disorder as well as clinicians' everyday constraints and challenges.
Descriptors: Counselor Attitudes, Allied Health Personnel, Speech Language Pathology, Speech Therapy, Articulation (Speech), Lateral Dominance, Outcomes of Treatment
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: lshss@asha.org; Web site: http://lshss.pubs.asha.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A