Swallowing Problems After Head and Neck Cancer: Benefits of Speech-Language Pathology Services
How effective are treatments for swallowing problems after head and neck cancer?
ASHA produced a treatment efficacy summary on swallowing disorders [PDF] that describes evidence about how well treatment works. This summary is useful not only to individuals with swallowing disorders and their caregivers but also to insurance companies considering payment for much needed services for swallowing disorders in adults.
What does a speech-language pathologist do when working with individuals with swallowing problems after head and neck cancer?
It is ASHA's position that "speech-language pathologists play a primary role in the evaluation and treatment of infants, children, and adults with swallowing and feeding disorders."
ASHA has developed a number of documents about the role of the SLP working with individuals with swallowing disorders. These include:
The Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology outline the common practices followed by SLPs when engaging in various aspects of the profession. The Preferred Practice Patterns for swallowing and feeding assessment and intervention for children are outlined in Sections 40 and 41, and the adult information is outlined in Sections 42 and 43.
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See Also:
Swallowing Problems After Head and Neck Cancer
Swallowing Problems After Head and Neck Cancer: Causes and Number