Survey of speech and language therapy provision for chronic cough across the UK.
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Authors
Parker, S
Issue Date
2024
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
chronic cough
Alternative Title
Abstract
Introduction: Cough Hypersensitivity (CHS) is characterised by increased neural responsivity to a range of stimuli that affect the airways. Speech and language therapy (SLT) is an effective non-pharmacological treatment for managing CHS. This survey aimed to gain insight into SLT provision for CHS within the UK.
Method: The 34-question online survey was completed by 75 speech and language therapists across the UK.
Results: All participants who completed the survey worked in England or Scotland. The therapists worked over a range of settings including acute hospital settings, community clinics, privately and in mental health services. The average length of experience was 15 years. The average length of time managing CHS was 2 years (0-21 years). Most referrals were sent from Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) 58 (79%), Respiratory 55 (69%), GPs (38%) or SLT colleagues (33%). The average time given to the CHS caseload was 10% with a high proportion having no dedicated time within their job plan (39%). Many therapists could offer an initial assessment 70 (94%), joint ENT/SLT assessment 22 (30%), joint respiratory/SLT assessment 22 (30%) or independent laryngoscopy 30 (40%). If therapy was provided it consisted of face-to-face therapy 61 (81%), virtual therapy 48 (64%), group face-to-face 7 (9%), group virtual 6 (8%) or training to other medical professionals 3 (4%). Some therapists reported they could only give the initial advice and then had to do an onward referral to a specialist service. The confidence levels in managing CHS varied (figure 1).
Most therapists had not received any undergraduate training on diagnosis and management of CHS 73 (97%), but several had completed training since working as an SLT, 48 (64%). The biggest barriers for SLT not seeing CHS patients was funding, professional support, time, experience, training, patient motivation and management support, with some therapists identifying all of these areas. Most therapists felt that a support network for SLTs working with CHS would be beneficial.
Conclusions: SLT provision for CHS is often limited and insufficient to provide a consistent and responsive service. This survey identified barriers and facilitators which may assist service development initiatives and guide further research.
Description
Citation
Ludlow, S., Marsden, P., Slinger, C. and Parker, S. (2024) P129 Survey of speech and language therapy provision for chronic cough across the UK. Thorax; 79 (supp_2) : A185.
Publisher
License
Journal
Thorax
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
ISSN
1468-3296