City Research Online

An exploration of UK speech and language therapists' treatment and management of functional communication disorders: A mixed‐methods online survey

McKenzie, K., Hilari, K. ORCID: 0000-0003-2091-4849 & Behn, N. ORCID: 0000-0001-9356-9957 (2024). An exploration of UK speech and language therapists' treatment and management of functional communication disorders: A mixed‐methods online survey. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.13113

Abstract

Background
Functional Communication Disorders (FCDs) are one specific presentation of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). FND is characterised by neurological symptoms, such as sensory and motor symptoms, which are not explained by neurological disease. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) have expertise in managing communication disorders, including FCDs, though is not known is what clinicians do in practice to treat and manage FCDs.

Aim
To explore the clinical practices of SLTs who regularly manage FCDs in the UK, including the assessment and intervention approaches taken.

Methods & Procedures
An online survey was developed using Qualtrics software and piloted before dissemination. Participants were experienced SLTs working in the UK who managed at least three FCD referrals a year. The survey was developed with a mix of qualitative and quantitative questions. The survey was disseminated via social media and professional networks.

Outcomes & Results
There were 73 completed responses to the survey. Participants reported working with a range of FCDs clinically, with functional stuttering and articulation disorders seen most frequently. SLTs reported working with a wide range of multidisciplinary professionals when managing patients with FCDs, though lack of access to mental health professionals was raised as an issue. SLTs reported using a combination of formal and informal communication assessments. Interventions varied, with a wide range of psychological approaches informing treatment. Lack of specific training, evidence base and negative attitudes around functional neurological disorder (FND) were raised as ongoing issues.

Conclusions & Implications
Therapists encountered a wide range of FCDs as part of their clinical practice, though there was a significant disparity in the service and interventions offered. SLTs feel their input can be effective, but lack the resources, training and evidence‐based interventions to provide adequate care.

Publication Type: Article
Additional Information: © 2024 The Author(s). International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Publisher Keywords: acquired, adults, assessment, intervention, neuropsychology, speech and language therapists
Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Departments: School of Health & Psychological Sciences
School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Language & Communication Science
SWORD Depositor:
[thumbnail of Intl J Lang Comm Disor - 2024 - McKenzie - An exploration of UK speech and language therapists treatment and management.pdf]
Preview
Text - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (1MB) | Preview

Export

Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics

Actions (login required)

Admin Login Admin Login