Clinical Practice of Voice Disorders by Speech-Language Pathologists in Otolaryngology Settings

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the current status of job performance related to voice disorder management among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in otolaryngology settings.Methods: Participants were 26 SLPs working in otolaryngology clinics, including 14 from tertiary hospitals and 12 from private clinics/specialty hospitals. Data were collected using a Google-based survey that examined (1) job priorities of SLPs and their institutions, (2) voice disorder treatment programs operated at the workplace, (3) types of voice disorders targeted for speech-therapy (4) voice therapy techniques used in clinical practice, (5) patient groups receiving voice therapy, (6) voice disorder patient groups undergoing voice evaluation, and (7) domains of voice evaluation performed. Comparisons were made according to the type of institution.Results: Voice correction programs delivered by non–SLPs were absent in tertiary hospitals and were limited to some private clinics/specialty hospitals (33%), showing a significant institutional difference (Fisher’s exact test, p=.033). Voice therapy (86%) and voice evaluation (92.9%) for patients following head and neck cancer surgery were significantly more common in tertiary hospitals than in private clinics/specialty hospitals (25% for both) (χ²=9.76, p=.002; Fisher’s exact test, p=.001).Conclusion: Voice correction programs delivered by non–SLPs were operated only in clinics/specialty hospitals, and voice therapy and assessment for patients following head and neck cancer surgery were more frequently performed in tertiary hospitals. These findings underscore the need to clarify the scope of practice and strengthen the professional role of speech-language pathologists.