Journal article
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Dysphagia Management: Clinician Use and Perceived Barriers
Contemporary issues in communication science and disorders, Vol.39(Fall), pp.55-68
10/2012
DOI: 10.1044/cicsd_39_F_55
Abstract
Purpose: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a relatively new yet controversial approach to the treatment of dysphagia that is gaining clinical popularity. The purpose of this study was to contribute to our understanding of the clinical viability of NMES, in light of empirical controversy, by describing current trends in the use/nonuse of NMES and clinician-perceived barriers to use among a sample of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the state of Iowa. Method: Eighty SLPs employed in a variety of professional settings completed an online survey on practice patterns and perceptions related to general clinical practice, dysphagia management, and the use of NMES. Responses from 73 of these participants were included for quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results: Despite high familiarity with NMES (70%) and the frequent provision of dysphagia services (74% of facilities and 62% of individuals), only 17% of facilities providing dysphagia services were reported to offer NMES as a treatment option, and only 3 respondents personally used this treatment modality. A variety of perceived benefits and disadvantages were reported by the nonusers; however, a majority indicated uncertainty related to the outcomes and whether the literature supports the use of NMES. Identified barriers to the adoption of NMES were related to both infrastructure (e.g., cost) and belief (e.g., misconceptions). Conclusion: The focus of this study highlights the clinically relevant question of why clinicians may not adopt a new treatment modality, or specifically, why clinicians are not using NMES in their treatment of individuals with dysphagia, despite its presence as a viable treatment option. The perceptions and misconceptions related to NMES as reported by the nonusers indicate the necessity of not only continuing investigations into the use and outcomes of NMES but also targeting better dissemination of these results to best address evidence-based practice.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Dysphagia Management: Clinician Use and Perceived Barriers
- Creators
- Samantha ShuneJerald B. Moon
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Contemporary issues in communication science and disorders, Vol.39(Fall), pp.55-68
- DOI
- 10.1044/cicsd_39_F_55
- ISSN
- 1092-5171
- Number of pages
- 14
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 10/2012
- Academic Unit
- Communication Sciences and Disorders; Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9985075248702771
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