Speech Language Pathologists' Role in the Multidisciplinary Management and Rehabilitation of Patients with COVID-19

Date

2020-07-27

Authors

Mohapatra, Bijoyaa
Mohan, Ranjini

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Foundation of Rehabilitation Information

Abstract

Respiratory and neurological complications in patients in various stages of COVID-19 emphasize the role of speech-language pathologists in the assessment and management of swallowing and communication deficits in these patients. The speech language pathologist works within a multidisciplinary team to identify these deficits, and aims to improve swallowing, nutrition, hydration, speech, and quality of life in the medical settings. This paper describes the unique symptoms and complications associated with COVID-19 that require speech-language pathologist services in medical (acute care, inpatient, and outpatient rehabilitation) facilities. The speech-language pathologist is primarily responsible for dysphagia screening and diagnosis in the acute care units, dysphagia and tracheostomy management in the inpatient units, and swallowing, speech and voice rehabilitation and neurocognitive management in the outpatient units. This paper also discusses the current therapeutic services and the precautions that speech-language pathologists must take to reduce transmission of the virus.

Description

Keywords

dysphagia, speech language pathology, rehabilitation, COVID, Communication Disorders

Citation

Mohapatra, B., Mohan, R. (2020). Speech-language pathologists' role in the multi-disciplinary management and rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 3, pp. 1-6.

Rights

Rights Holder

© 2020 Foundation of Rehabilitation Information.

Rights License

Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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