Recommendations for speech-language pathologists in paediatric palliative care teams (ReSP3CT): An international modified Delphi study
child; end-of-life; paediatric; palliative care; speech-language pathology
Purpose: There is emerging recognition within the literature that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have a role in the provision of paediatric palliative care (PPC). SLPs, however, experience unique challenges when working with this vulnerable young cohort of patients, their families and multidisciplinary teams. This study aims to develop practice recommendations based on best available evidence. Method(s): A modified Delphi technique was utilised to develop group consensus over a series of survey rounds. Statements for voting were synthesised by critically reviewing recurring themes from previous studies, involving (i) a scoping literature review, (ii) an online survey, and (iii) interview data. Nine participants were recruited using consecutive sampling from the interview phase related to this study. Result(s): Twenty-one statements were voted upon over two survey rounds (100% response rate). Agreement levels of >=70% across all statements were reached after the first round. There was a significant correlation between rating a statement as "essential" and a strong level of agreement (p<0.0001). Intraparticipant agreement between rounds is also reported. Conclusion(s): The 21 statements form Recommendations for Speech-Language Pathologists in Paediatric Palliative Care Teams (ReSP3CT). The statements will support SLPs working within PPC to promote advocacy, professional development and enhance team involvement in this developing field.
Krikheli L; Carey LB; Erickson S; Carey-Sargeant CL; Mathisen BA
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
2021
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2020.1866073" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1080/17549507.2020.1866073</a>
Speech-Language Pathologists in Pediatric Palliative Care: An International Study of Perceptions and Experiences
families; multidisciplinary; palliative care; Patient Care; pediatric; qualitative analysis; speech-language pathology
Purpose The purpose of this study is to gather qualitative data regarding the experiences and perceptions of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) practicing in pediatric palliative care (PPC) and investigate their approaches for working with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team. Method Ten participants from Australia, Canada, and the United States were recruited from a previous survey study. In-depth interviews were conducted via videoconferencing. Two coders used NVivo software to record and organize the data into themes. Interrater reliability of the coding was established with a third coder. The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research 32-item checklist has been used for reporting the research. Results Interrater coding reliability (using weighted kappa) was .81, indicating "almost perfect" agreement on the selection of themes from the code frame. Emerging themes included clinical interventions, unique SLP skills in PPC, multidisciplinary team relationships, workforce issues, education and training, governance, medicolegal considerations, bioethical issues, and holistic care. Additional subthemes are also noted. In the absence of research evidence and practice recommendations, SLPs rely on client perspectives and clinical experience to guide their professional practice in PPC. Conclusions Qualitative survey analysis of the perceptions and experiences of SLP clinicians from three postindustrial countries identified nine major themes regarding PPC. Results expand on limited literature to date in the area of PPC. Future research using larger samples is needed to provide clinicians with best practice recommendations for working with patients, families, and the broader care team.
Krikheli L; Erickson S; Carey LB; Carey-Sargeant CL; Mathisen BA
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
2020
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00090" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00090</a>
Speech–language pathology in paediatric palliative care: A scoping review of role and practice
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
Krikheli L; Mathisen BA; Carey LB
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
2017
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2017.1337225" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1080/17549507.2017.1337225</a>