Australian and New Zealand Speech-Language Pathologists’ perceptions and management of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in children
Emily Wing-tung Yun1, Kirrie Ballard1, Sarah Masso1 1The University Of Sydney, Sydney, NSW , Australia
Abstract
Introduction: Orofacial Myofunctional disorders (OMDs) can affect development of healthy breathing patterns, chewing, swallowing, and speech. They are recognised internationally to be within the speech pathology scope of practice. Peak speech pathology bodies believe speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have existing knowledge to manage speech and swallowing issues relating to OMDs without seeking further training. Internationally, SLPs are encouraged to seek further knowledge when managing patients with OMDs due to the complex interactions between orofacial anatomy and physiology as well as the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. This investigation aimed to explore the perceptions and knowledge about scope of practice and evidence-based practice of OMDs in clinically practising SLPs.
Methods: An online survey was advertised to SLPs in Australia and New Zealand. Topics within the survey included: knowledge of OMDs, perceptions of their relevance in SLP scope of practice, and availability of evidence to guide practice.
Results: To date, 67 survey responses have been received, and data collection is ongoing. Over 70% of participants felt that assessing and treating OMDs were within SLP scope of practice, however only 35% of participants felt confident in doing so. Over 85% of participants wanted to learn more about OMDs, with >90% indicating that research was not readily available and of low quality. Only 7% reported that their academic training addressed this topic.
Conclusion: Clinically practising SLPs agree that managing OMDs is within scope of practice, but further research in the area of orofacial myology and consideration of international SLP practice is required to strengthen evidence-based practice.
Biography
Emily is a PhD student in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney. Her research interests lie broadly in the area of orofacial myology, but her current research focus is about assessment and identification of orofacial dysfunction in children. Emily also works as a speech pathologist in private practice. She regularly assesses and treats children and young adults with a variety of communication and swallowing disorders and is involved with supervising early-career speech pathologists.