Abstract

Objective: Patients who are admitted to critical care (CC) run the risk of having trouble speaking and swallowing. SLPs (speech-language pathologists) are crucial in this situation. There are no CC guidelines for speech-language pathology in Ireland or elsewhere, and there may be differences in practise. to examine SLPs’ perspectives on education, skills, and resources while comparing clinical practises in the areas of dysphagia, communication, and tracheostomy management among SLPs working in adult CC units in Ireland and abroad.

Method: SLPs who work in CC were the participants. A worldwide online survey was conducted to gather data on (i) the workforce demographics and staffing levels for SLPs, (ii) the methods used to assess and manage communication and dysphagia, and (iii) the methods used to assess and manage training, skills, and resources.

Result: There were 366 answers from 29 different nations. Of these respondents, 18.03% (66/366) had jobs in Ireland. The results revealed both common and unique practises. Total CC SLP whole-time equivalent (WTE) was less than anticipated for the best service delivery (mean difference: 0.21 to 0.65 WTE, p.001) for each staff grade. There have been recorded adverse repercussions of understaffing. In 66% (220/334) of services, the recommendations that all tracheostomized patients get SLP input went unfulfilled.

Conclusion: There are few specific positions, multidisciplinary teams (MDT) that are involved, consistent management techniques, and possibilities for foreign training in CC. The results’ implications are examined.