International journal of language & communication disorders
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Int J Lang Commun Disord · Nov 2012
Clinical TrialThe living with dysarthria group: implementation and feasibility of a group intervention for people with dysarthria following stroke and family members.
The broad life implications of acquired dysarthria are recognized, but they have received little attention in stroke management. Reports of group therapy, which may be a suitable approach to intervention, are not available for stroke-related dysarthria. ⋯ The recruitment experience revealed a take-up rate of around 20% from PWD following stroke, informing future planning. The participant engagement and performance results from the piloting of the programme indicate that the Living with Dysarthria programme is viable and has potential for effecting positive change. Further testing is justified.
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Int J Lang Commun Disord · Nov 2012
Survey of UK speech and language therapists' assessment and treatment practices for people with progressive dysarthria.
Dysarthria knowledge is predominantly impairment-based. As a result, speech and language therapists (SLTs) have traditionally adopted impairment-focused management practices. However, guidance for best practice suggests that SLTs should consider the client holistically, including the impact of dysarthria beyond the impairment. ⋯ The values held by SLTs match guideline recommendations for best practice, however the clinical reality is that the assessment of progressive dysarthria remains predominantly impairment-focused. New tools need to be developed and integrated into practice to target interaction in assessment and intervention, to reduce the gap between best practice recommendations and clinical reality. Ongoing research into the effectiveness of SLT intervention with clients with progressive dysarthria is required to guide clinical management decisions.