City Research Online

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic and response changed clinical service delivery and practice for Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) in the United Kingdom (UK). SLTs work with children with neurodisability regarding both difficulties with their communication and eating and drinking skills (oropharyngeal dysphagia). This survey aimed to specifically explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SLT practice for school-aged children with dysphagia.

Methods
UK-based SLTs working with school-aged children with neurodisability and oropharyngeal dysphagia were recruited to share their perceptions on the impact of COVID-19 on practice. Four questions focusing on COVID-19 impact were part of a larger on-line survey exploring SLT clinical practice regarding mealtime management of children with neurodisability and oropharyngeal dysphagia, which included demographic information, service delivery, assessment and intervention practices. COVID-19 impact questions were a mixture of multiple choice and free text responses. The survey was disseminated using professional networks and social media, between 14th May-30th July 2021. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.

Results
102 participants answered at least one of the four COVID-19 questions. 82% of SLTs either agreed or strongly agreed that COVID-19 impacted on service delivery to children and families. Negative impacts on service delivery included school absences/closures, home visiting restrictions, families declining input and/or having barriers to telehealth use, and the impact of mask wearing on interactions. Positive impacts included increased telehealth access and skills, increased contact with families and focus on children’s eating and drinking function within the home environment. Participants aimed to maintain the increased contact with families alongside a hybrid service delivery approach of in-person and virtual appointments.

Conclusions
This survey provides novel information capturing SLT practice change across two waves of COVID-19 and return to in-person practice for UK children with neurodisability.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Morgan, S. , Weir, K. A., Mulligan, K. , Jacobs, S. & Hilari, K. (2023). Impact of COVID-19 on clinical practice of UK-based Speech & Language Therapists working with school-aged children with neurodisability and oropharyngeal dysphagia: A survey.. Child: Care, Health and Development, , which will be published in final form at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652214. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
Publisher Keywords:	11 Medical and Health Sciences, 13 Education, 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Language & Communication Science
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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