Outcomes from an extended scope of practice speech-language pathology service for low risk ENT outpatients : A 5-year service review
Journal article
Schwarz, Maria, Ward, Elizabeth C., Seabrook, Marnie, Davis, Jennifer and Whitfield, Bernard C. S.. (2022). Outcomes from an extended scope of practice speech-language pathology service for low risk ENT outpatients : A 5-year service review. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. 24(1), pp. 3-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2021.1916592
Authors | Schwarz, Maria, Ward, Elizabeth C., Seabrook, Marnie, Davis, Jennifer and Whitfield, Bernard C. S. |
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Abstract | Purpose: Early evidence supports the safety and efficiency of extended scope speech-language pathology (SLP) clinics designed to manage low risk ear nose and throat (ENT) outpatient referrals, however long-term data is lacking. The aim of this study was to complete a 5-year audit of clinical outcomes, including rates of re-referral, for a SLP Allied Health Practitioner (SLP AHP) led dysphagia and dysphonia service within an Integrated Specialist ENT Service. Method: A retrospective audit was undertaken of all patients referred with non-urgent dysphonia and/or dysphagia symptoms over a 5-year period since establishment of the SLP AHP service. Clinical outcomes, rates and reasons for re-referral to the specialist ENT waiting list were investigated. Result: Of 616 patient referrals, 462 patients were seen by the SLP AHP service. Most (72%, n = 333) received all required management through the clinical model, with only 28% (n = 129) requiring additional ENT intervention, consistent with previously published data. Only 36 of the 616 (6%) were re-referred/re-presented within 12 months of first presentation, of which only 12 were referred for same condition as initial referral. No adverse outcomes were recorded on the clinical database during this 5-year period. Conclusion: Results provide further evidence that the SLP AHP service is a safe and efficient method for managing low risk ENT outpatient referrals. |
Keywords | dysphonia; dysphagia; ENT; extended scope of practice |
Year | 2022 |
Journal | International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology |
Journal citation | 24 (1), pp. 3-11 |
Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
ISSN | 1754-9507 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2021.1916592 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85107520811 |
Page range | 3-11 |
Funder | Allied Health Professions Office of Queensland |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 02 Jun 2021 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 19 Oct 2023 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8zwq9/outcomes-from-an-extended-scope-of-practice-speech-language-pathology-service-for-low-risk-ent-outpatients-a-5-year-service-review
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