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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Schwarz, Maria
Ward, Elizabeth C
Seabrook, Marnie
Davis, Jennifer
Whitfield, Bernard CS
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2021
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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.

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International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology

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Clinical sciences

Cognitive and computational psychology

Linguistics

Science & Technology

Social Sciences

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology

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Schwarz, M; Ward, EC; Seabrook, M; Davis, J; Whitfield, BCS, 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, 2021

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