Inpatient Cognitive-Communication Interventions Following Traumatic Brain Injury: An International Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists

PURPOSE: Speech-language pathologist (SLP) management of adult cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs) is recommended following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there is limited evidence to guide inpatient cognitive-communication interventions, and previous investigations into SLP clinical practice are multidisciplinary. This current study aimed to investigate the clinical activities, barriers, and needs of SLPs who provide inpatient cognitive-communication interventions for adults with TBI. METHOD: An international, anonymous, mixed-methods survey was designed with reference to the "Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies." Participants were recruited via convenience and snowball recruitment. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data, and inductive content analysis was employed for the qualitative data. RESULTS: Thirty-seven SLPs from seven countries participated. Participants reported intervention activities and resources that prioritized patient function and contexts. Reported barriers included SLP priorities, patient variables, and service-setting factors. Key reported needs were setting-specific resources, a stronger evidence base, and professional development. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians in this survey reported practices that aligned with some of the broader CCD guidelines. Inpatient SLPs emphasized functional intervention activities and personally salient resources. However, in comparison to guidelines, groups and Goal Attainment Scaling were not frequently used. The limited awareness and adaptation of existing community treatment protocols, unique hospital context, and participants' call for setting-specific intervention materials suggest that further investigation and resource development for cognitive-communication interventions within inpatient rehabilitation is warranted. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.34872597.