The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the landscape of healthcare delivery, including voice therapy. According to the research article "Voice Therapy in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidelines for Clinical Practice," authored by Castillo-Allendes et al. (2020), there are critical adaptations that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) must make to ensure both effective therapy and safety.
The article outlines 65 recommendations, developed by a group of 11 experts from five different countries, for managing voice disorders during the pandemic. These guidelines were created following the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery rules and achieved a 95% consensus among the experts. Here, we summarize some of the key takeaways to help practitioners improve their skills and encourage further research.
Key Recommendations for Voice Therapy During COVID-19
1. Personal Protection and Prevention Measures
- Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks, face shields, gloves, and long-sleeved gowns, especially during aerosol-generating procedures.
- Adopt engineering controls like physical barriers and adequate ventilation in therapy rooms.
- Implement administrative controls such as limiting the number of people in the room and training clinicians in the proper use of PPE.
2. Telepractice as a Viable Option
- Telepractice can effectively deliver voice therapy, even for complex cases like post-Intensive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) patients.
- Ensure a stable internet connection and use external microphones to optimize auditory feedback.
- Consider cultural and educational factors when determining the eligibility for telepractice.
3. Early Intervention Post-IMV
- Perform a risk-benefit analysis to determine the best time for intervention.
- Use Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVTE) to improve vocal fold function without causing additional trauma.
- Incorporate vocal hygiene habits to prevent complications such as granulomas.
4. Psychosocial Considerations
- Establish rapport and trust with patients to support therapeutic success.
- Encourage healthy living behaviors and consider referral for psychotherapy when appropriate.
- Maintain open communication and teamwork among healthcare providers.
These guidelines are designed to provide immediate, evidence-based recommendations for voice therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of safety measures, the viability of telepractice, and the need for early intervention post-IMV. By implementing these guidelines, practitioners can continue to provide high-quality care while mitigating the risk of virus transmission.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Voice Therapy in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidelines for Clinical Practice.
