Masters Degrees (Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy) by browse.metadata.advisor "De Beer, Alida"

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    Cleft lip and palate feeding intervention : a scoping review
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Brand, Bea-Mari; De Beer, Alida; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. Speech Language and Hearing Therapy.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Background: Infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP) often suffer from feeding difficulties before surgical intervention. Speech therapists can provide different types of feeding intervention for this population. A scoping review was suggested to determine the evidence-based practice for feeding intervention in the CLP population. The research question for this scoping review was: What management strategies and associated outcomes are described in the research literature for feeding difficulties in the CLP population? Objectives: To summarize available literature on CLP feeding management strategies and their associated outcomes, as well as to identify gaps in the evidence base of feeding intervention in the CLP population. Methods: Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review methodological framework was utilized and included all six stages of the framework. Inclusion criteria: Only articles published between 1990 and 2018 were included. The studies needed to be either published or translated into English or Afrikaans. The age range of the research participants was from newborn to six years of age. The primary diagnosis had to be cleft lip, cleft palate or CLP, which was not related to other syndromes. The articles had to include feeding intervention as well as an outcome for that intervention. Only primary research was included in this scoping review. Search strategy: The following Boolean search string was used to search through 5 databases: (“cleft lip and palate” OR “cleft lip” OR “cleft palate” OR craniofacial) AND (feeding OR swallowing OR breastfeeding OR dysphagia OR eating OR deglutition) AND (manage* OR rehabilitation OR treatment OR intervention OR therapy). Extraction of data: Screening measures first included the titles of the articles, then the abstracts, and finally, full-text reviews. The charting of the final selection of articles was grouped according to the following categories: title, authors, year of publication, location of the study, design, participants, timing of intervention, feeding intervention and associated outcomes. After the data was extracted from the articles, interviews were held with experienced speech therapists to determine their perceptions on the studied subject. Analysis of results: Thirty-one articles were included in this scoping review. The main feeding intervention themes included: caregiver training (43%), use of feeding utensils (40%), use of prostheses (14%) and alternative feeding (3%). The use of various modified bottles and teaching caregivers feeding strategies were some of the commonly reported strategies in the articles. Generally, positive outcomes were reported in the articles, such as weight gain. The interviewed speech therapists, however, prefer to use other interventions in their clinical practice compared to the feeding interventions reported in the research. Their clinical contexts had an influence on the type of feeding intervention prescribed for their patients. Conclusions: The results from the research and the perceptions of the therapists indicated a need for more evidence-based research within the South African and other low- and middle-income countries’ contexts, as most of the available research is from high-income countries. A recommendation for speech therapists in low- and middle-income countries is that they need to rely more on their clinical experience than the available research to provide evidence-based practice.
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    The communication experiences of young adult stroke survivors with stroke-related communication difficulties
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) Bester, Nena; De Beer, Alida; Bardien, Faeza; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Background: The rising incidence of stroke among young adults has led to a growing population of survivors experiencing communication difficulties. Existing research highlights their frustration and feelings of invisibility, indicating a lack of acknowledgement of their unique needs in rehabilitation. This study employs the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a holistic framework to explore the significant impact of stroke-related communication difficulties on young adults. Research aim: The aim was to describe the communication experiences of young adult stroke survivors with mild to moderate stroke-related communication difficulties who attended a public healthcare facility for speech-language therapy services in the Western Cape. The objective was to obtain information about the participants’ 1) communication experiences, 2) communication rehabilitation experiences, 3) communication needs and 4) areas to consider in their communication rehabilitation. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional, descriptive phenomenological design. The sample of five young adults, who ranged in age from 26 to 49 years was selected through purposive homogeneous sampling from three different healthcare facilities. Males and females were included with various communication difficulties and comorbid stroke symptoms represented. An interview guide was used for data collection via semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis based on descriptive phenomenology was used as the data analysis approach. Findings: The data analysis yielded five main themes describing the experiences of these five young adult with stroke-related communication difficulties. The first two themes emphasize emotions they experienced in relation to communication difficulties as well as adaptation to these difficulties, aligning with the holistic perspective of the ICF. The third theme addresses intrinsic factors to consider when addressing communication difficulties in this population, relating to the ICF’s focus on personal factors. Subthemes related to this theme include awareness of their communication difficulties, insight related to the impact of these difficulties, help-seeking behaviour, physical abilities, and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). AAC emerged as a notable coping strategy, highlighting the multifaceted nature of personal factors influencing its successful implementation. Beyond personal aspects, three subthemes related to the environment shaped the participants’ experiences, aligning with the ICF’s consideration of environmental factors. These include the environment's impact on participation, communication partners’ needs, and their influence on the independence of young adults with stroke-related communication difficulties. Lastly, the research findings illustrate the need for speech-language therapists (SLTs) to integrate the principles of the ICF into their approach to management of young adult stroke survivors with stroke-related communication difficulties. Considering both personal and environmental factors in training, feedback, and support is vital for facilitating participation in communication for young adult stroke survivors with communication difficulties. Conclusion: By exploring emotional aspects, personal factors, environmental influences, and the contribution of SLTs, it is possible to develop more nuanced and personalised rehabilitation strategies for young adults with stroke-related communication difficulties. Aligned with the principles of the ICF, such strategies hold the potential to enhance the quality of life, communication, and communication rehabilitation experiences for young adults with stroke-related communication difficulties.
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    The communication needs of young and old cerebrovascular accident survivors
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) De Grass-Clementson, Jamie; De Beer, Alida; Bardien, Faeza; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. Speech Language and Hearing Therapy.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) are a growing epidemic in developing countries such as South Africa, resulting in an increase in CVA-related morbidity, which includes communication impairments. CVAs have traditionally been viewed as a disease of the elderly, but there is an increase in the prevalence of young CVA survivors. This quantitative descriptive cross-sectional research aimed to describe the communication needs of young and old CVA survivors in the following five communication areas: difficult communication situations, difficult communication skills, preferred communication strategies, preferred conversational topics and preferred literacy skills. The results obtained from the 62 participants (i.e. 22 young and 40 old CVA survivors) who completed the Aphasia Needs Assessment (Garrett & Beukelman, 2006) highlight that their personal and social communication needs have to be addressed before those that are environmental in nature. Furthermore, the findings suggest that difficult communication skills have to be identified before difficult communication situations and preferred topics can be addressed. Speech-language therapists working within the South African context are often confronted with challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, poor literacy levels and adverse circumstances, thus making the use of appropriate assessment criteria and management approaches challenging. Speech-language therapists are therefore recommended to identify CVA survivors’ unique barriers and facilitators to ensure appropriate intervention.
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    Communication, cognitive functioning, and feeding and swallowing information needs of caregivers of individuals diagnosed with alzheimer’s disease within a support group setting
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04) Le Roux, Carla; De Beer, Alida; Bardien, Faeza; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Background: The number of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease will rise significantly in the coming years. This is a concern as Alzheimer’s disease affects numerous functions within the scope of the speech-language therapist. However, due to the limited number of speech-language therapists in South Africa, individual speech and language therapy is not a viable option. Support groups may be a more optimal way of providing speech and language therapy service-related information. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the speech therapy-related information needs of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as their preferred support group structure. The study further aimed to describe common speech and language therapy-related points of discussion at support groups and the current structure of support groups in the Western Cape. Method: A convergent parallel mixed method research design was used, and qualitative and quantitative data were collected simultaneously. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, whilst an online survey was used to collect data from support group facilitators. Results: The results indicated that caregivers had both directly stated, as well as indirectly stated information and support needs. Caregivers had more directly stated information and support needs about cognitive functioning than communication or feeding and swallowing. Their information and support needs were influenced by the current level of functioning of the individual with AD, caregivers’ perceptions about the features of AD and their management, as well as acceptance of these difficulties. Caregivers did, however, have more indirectly stated information needs about communication as well as feeding and swallowing. There were also discrepancies identified between caregivers’ support group structure preferences and the current support group structure in the Western Cape. Conclusion: The factors driving caregivers’ information and support needs guide the information provided at support groups. As much information and support needs are indirectly stated, these needs may likely not be expressed in support groups. Subsequently, caregivers’ knowledge about these areas of difficulty may remain limited. This may negatively affect caregiver understanding-and management of these difficulties. Furthermore, accessibility of support groups may be negatively impacted by the discrepancies between caregiver preferences and current support group structure.
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    The perceptions of South African speech and language therapists regarding the provision of voice and communication intervention to the transgender population
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Uys, Jani Petronell; De Beer, Alida; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. Speech Language and Hearing Therapy.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: In South Africa there is an increase in the prevalence of individuals who identify as transgender, which urges clinicians and researchers to focus on becoming more trans-competent. This includes clinically and culturally appropriate assessment and management of individuals who identify as transgender. Previous studies have identified a lack of exposure for speech and language therapists (SLTs) regarding the transgender population. Objectives: The aims of the study included to determine SLTs’ knowledge, awareness and attitudes in providing voice and communication intervention to the transgender population. Method: The research design of the study was a concurrent mixed methods design, in which quantitative and qualitative data collection took place simultaneously. The quantitative data was analyzed by a statistician on Microsoft Excel and the qualitative data was transcribed and coded by the researcher. Results: Results suggested a willingness among SLTs to improve their knowledge, awareness and attitudes. This study suggests poor knowledge and awareness among the participants regarding transgender voice and communication intervention however, the attitudes among the participants were mostly positive. It was found that cultural encounters are not common among South African SLTs, which contributes to poor cultural knowledge and skills. Conclusion: There is a need for undergraduate training and exposure in order to increase the knowledge, awareness and attitudes among SLTs. SLTs need to strive towards being trans-competent when providing intervention to the population by having a good background knowledge, appropriate awareness and positive attitudes. The findings of this study will be useful to inform future educational and training opportunities, and further research needs are identified for this field of intervention in order to ensure adequate and appropriate training and intervention for the transgender population by SLTs.
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    Speech and language therapy for burn injuries in South Africa : knowledge and experience, evidence-based involvement, access, referral pathways, and training and education needs
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-03) Ferraris, Daniela Mary; De Beer, Alida; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. Speech Language and Hearing Therapy.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: In South Africa (SA), there is a high incidence of burn injuries (BIs) which is a growing area of involvement and interest among South African speech and language therapists (SLTs). However, there is limited knowledge and experience among practising SLTs. This includes a poor understanding of the aetiology of BIs, the physical and psychosocial acute and long-term effects of BIs, and the specific role of SLTs in the assessment and management of BIs. This novel study is exploratory in nature due to limited existing evidence. Objectives: The study aimed to determine SLTs’ knowledge and experience, referral pathways and SLT accessibility, the use of evidence-based practice (EBP), and education and training required to equip SLTs to work in the BI population. Method: A convergent mixed method design was utilised for this study in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously. Two instruments were utilised for data collection: an online questionnaire aimed at SLTs practising in SA, and semi-structured interviews with heads of departments of burn units or wards caring for people with BIs in SA. The questionnaire yielded both quantitative and qualitative data, and the interviews yielded further qualitative data. Results: Results indicated limited knowledge and experience in BIs among SLTs in SA leading to a lack of awareness and involvement in this population. Despite a willingness from SLTs to work in this population, low levels of confidence and competence were described. Although there appeared to be established methods for referral and general accessibility to SLT, there was a lack of criteria for referral. This may due to a lack of education and training opportunities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and a lack of contextually relevant evidence and guidance. Conclusion: Due to the high incidence of burns in SA and the clinical relevance of SLT in this population, there is a need for undergraduate and post-graduate training and exposure to BIs in SLT. The assessment and management of BIs is contextually relevant in SA and should be included in the scope of practice with clear practice or competency guidelines from professional bodies. This will ensure adequate knowledge, experience, and awareness so that SLTs can confidently provide competent services to this population. The findings of this study will be useful in informing future planning and the provision of education and training. It may encourage awareness among SLTs of their role in burns and lead to research and the emergence of contextually relevant practice-based evidence.