As professionals dedicated to enhancing children's communication abilities, it is imperative that we ground our practices in solid evidence. The Proceedings of the 2nd Congress on Evidence Based Mental Health: from research to clinical practice offers valuable insights that can significantly inform our work. By integrating findings from this research, we can refine our strategies and ultimately achieve better outcomes for the children we serve.
The study "Is bed rest helpful as an intervention in the management of severe anorexia nervosa in hospitals?" by Ali Ibrahim and Agnes Ayton provides a crucial lesson on the importance of scrutinizing traditional practices. The researchers found that bed rest, a commonly recommended intervention for severe anorexia nervosa, has significant physical and psychological risks, including lower heart rate, venous thrombosis, impaired bone turnover, and increased risk of infection. Furthermore, patients exhibited a strong preference for less restrictive approaches, which are also less intensive in nursing time.
What can speech-language pathologists (SLPs) learn from this? Firstly, it emphasizes the necessity of questioning established methods and seeking evidence to support our interventions. For instance, if a traditional therapy approach is not yielding the expected outcomes, it may be time to explore alternative, evidence-based methods. This mindset ensures that our practices are not only effective but also safe and preferred by our clients.
Another relevant study, "Assessing confinement environment stress using fNIRS" by Christina-Sylvia Andrea et al., explores the impact of confinement stress on cognitive function using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The findings indicated that confinement leads to a general decrease in brain function, but exercise interventions showed positive effects on maintaining good frontal brain function. This suggests that incorporating physical activity into our therapy sessions could enhance cognitive engagement and overall therapy effectiveness.
Moreover, "Deficiency of vitamin D levels in psychotic patients: can this be important?" by Maria Athanasiou highlights the broader implications of physical health on mental health. The study underscores the importance of holistic approaches that consider physical well-being as integral to mental health. For SLPs, this means being vigilant about factors such as nutrition and general health, which can significantly influence speech and language outcomes.
To implement these insights effectively:
- Regularly review and update therapy practices based on the latest research.
- Incorporate interdisciplinary approaches that consider the physical and psychological well-being of children.
- Engage in continuous professional development to stay informed about emerging evidence and methodologies.
- Foster a collaborative environment with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Encouraging further research is also essential. By contributing to and participating in research initiatives, SLPs can help build a robust evidence base that continually improves our understanding and treatment of speech and language disorders.
In conclusion, grounding our practices in evidence not only enhances the effectiveness of our interventions but also ensures the safety and satisfaction of the children we serve. By adopting a research-informed approach, we can significantly improve the outcomes for our young clients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Proceedings of the 2nd Congress on Evidence Based Mental Health: from research to clinical practice.
