Background: Engagement is recognized as an important factor in aphasia treatment response and outcomes, yet gaps remain in our understanding of engagement and practices that promote engagement from the client perspective. Aims: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how clients with aphasia experience engagement during their…

Background: Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) can be associated with a plethora of neurological diseases representing a life-changing condition and, in severe cases, a life-threatening situation. It is, therefore, crucial that patients and caregivers are aware of its implications to implement the best strategies for safety and functional…

Introduction: Speech Language Therapy First Point of Contact Clinic (SLT-FPOCC) models can assist assessment of low-risk patient populations referred to ear, nose and throat (ENT) services. To further improve ENT waitlist management and compliance with best-practice care, consideration of other low-risk populations that could be safely managed…

Background: Dysphagia is a common complication of stroke, and enteral feeding is often necessary. If present, cognitive impairment can complicate the process of reintroducing oral intake. There is limited evidence concerning the outcomes of enteral feeding with this particular patient group and decision-making can be challenging when considering…

Purposes: Investigating the contribution of each component of the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) to the aphasia quotient (AQ) helps better understand the mechanisms of change in the AQ. Previous studies on patients with English-speaking aphasia have shown that spontaneous speech contributes the most to the AQ. However, the same conclusion may not…

Background: Person-centred services are inherently related to patients/caregivers' needs. However, the extent to which dysphagia services within Singapore meet consumer needs is largely unknown. Involving patients/caregivers in service evaluation/redesign deepens the understanding of consumer needs. This process also increases the success of…

Background: Content validity is a key measurement property that should be considered when selecting or reviewing a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). In the field of communication disorders, there are several PROMs available, most of which are disease specific. It is unknown what the quality of the content validity of these PROMs is. Aims:…

Aim: Evidence shows that 20%-30% of patients who aspirate do so silently. Research to date has not demonstrated clear evidence to indicate which patients are at higher risk of silent aspiration. Our aim was to use univariate logistic regression analysis of retrospective case review to determine potential patterns of silent aspiration. Materials…

Background: It is assumed that language impairments post-stroke do not show much improvement after the phase of spontaneous recovery, especially in the chronic stage. Several studies have reported language recovery and factors influencing it in the acute stages of stroke. There is limited literature focusing on language recovery in the chronic…

Background: Goal setting is an essential step in the clinical reasoning process of speech and language therapists (SLTs) who provide care for children, adolescents and adults with communication disorders. In the light of person-centred care, shared or collaborative goal setting between the SLT and client is advised in (inter)national guidelines.…

Purpose: Speech and language pathologists (SLP) are frequently consulted for guidance on the management of oral solid medications. However, the extent to which SLPs consider solid medication intake during swallowing examination remains unclear. The present study endeavoured to find out whether and how SLPs assess patients' ability to swallow solid…

Background: Current published guidelines suggest that speech and language therapists (SLTs) should be part of stroke teams, but their involvement and roles according to country income are unknown. Aims: This review aims to (1) investigate the level of involvement of SLTs in acute stroke management, rehabilitation, and long-term care, and (2)…

Background: There is a growing body of evidence showing the value of community singing-based rehabilitation on psychosocial well-being and communication for people with post-stroke communication impairment (PSCI). However, there has been little consideration of the potential value an inpatient aphasia-friendly choir may have through the…

Background: With constrained funding and increasing demand, the pressures on health and care services globally continue to grow. Given the challenges faced, it is imperative that services and interventions demonstrate cost-effectiveness, as well as patient/service-user and societal benefits, to maximize impact. Research has started to explore the…

Background: This study aimed to assess anxiety, depression and quality of life (QoL) in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing laryngectomy using comprehensive self-reported questionnaires for a period of up to 5 years. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 150 consecutive patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer…