Current Practice of Speech-Language Pathologists Working with Adult Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background: Cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs) commonly occur after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide different services to patients with CCDs at different stages of recovery, no published study has yet assessed the current practice of SLPs who work with adult patients suffering from CCDs after TBI in Saudi Arabia (SA). Aims: The presentstudy was designed to assess the current practice of SLPs working with adult patients with CCDs following TBI in SA by identifying the training sources, information resources, and assessment tools being used in various medical settings. Moreover, this research aims to identify the confidence level of these SLPs in working with those patients. Methods & Procedures: Eleven SLPs worked with CCDs patients following TBI in SA participated in an online survey to provide information relevant to the current SLP practice, particularly in relation to training sources, information resources, evidence types, assessment tools, and confidence level in working with CCDs. Outcome &Results: Various training sources, information resources, and evidence types were identified as being used by SLPs working with adult patients with CCDs after TBI in SA. Moreover, they used different screening/assessment tools along with original or adapted standardised assessment tools. Additionally, majority of SLPs were confident in working with those patients. Conclusion & Implications: This study provides valuable information regarding the current practice of SLPs working with patients with CCDs after TBI in SA. Collaboration between stakeholders in SA is essential to improve the current practice.