SCIRehab Project Series: The Speech Language Pathology Taxonomy

J Spinal Cord Med, 2009 · DOI: · Published: June 1, 2009

Simple Explanation

The article discusses the development of a detailed SLP taxonomy documentation process that is comprehensive of SLP interventions for patients with SCI. The SLP taxonomy consists of 7 intervention categories that address deficits and the associated exercises and tasks that patients perform. Time is recorded for each category, and supplementary information focuses on cueing needs and family involvement that helps to describe and guide intervention selection.

Study Duration

2.5 Years

Participants

1,500 patients with acute traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Practice-based evidence

Key Findings

1
The SLP taxonomy includes 7 intervention categories: speech production for patients with artificial airway, motor speech and voice, swallowing, cognitive-communication, and communication.
2
The taxonomy captures time spent on each intervention category and includes supplementary information on cueing needs and family involvement.
3
This project may be the first attempt to document the many details of the SLP rehabilitation process for patients with SCI in the US.

Research Summary

The SCIRehab study aims to examine the effects of speech language pathology (SLP) interventions on spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation outcomes. A detailed SLP taxonomy documentation process was developed by SLP lead clinicians and researchers at 6 US SCI centers. The SLP taxonomy captures intervention categories, associated exercises/tasks, time spent, cueing needs, and family involvement.

Practical Implications

Standardized Documentation

The taxonomy provides a consistent framework for documenting SLP interventions in SCI rehabilitation.

Improved Outcomes Research

The detailed data collection will help identify which SLP interventions are most strongly associated with positive outcomes.

Enhanced Clinical Practice

The taxonomy can guide intervention selection and facilitate communication among clinicians.

Study Limitations

1
Potential for interpretation and slight deviations in identifying task difficulty levels (simple, moderate, complex).
2
SLP referrals and practice vary across SCIRehab centers.
3
The Cognitive-communication and communication portions of the taxonomy have a tremendous amount of overlap.

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