Challenges and Opportunities for Speech-Language Pathology Services in Comprehensive Head and Neck Cancer Care: Insights From a Mixed Methods Study.

Abstract

Speech-language pathologists serve a critical role within multidisciplinary head and neck cancer care teams. Provision of speech-language pathology services for head and neck cancer patients varies by region and is not well characterized. A mixed methods scoping assessment was conducted with a purposive sample of speech-language pathologists from designated comprehensive head and neck cancer centers. Each speech-language pathologist completed a 31-item survey and 60-min semi-structured interview. Analysis of survey responses and qualitative interviews identified three major themes: unsuitable infrastructure; multilevel barriers; and the need to champion speech-language pathology services. Speech-language pathologists consistently reported inadequate resources, inequitable services, and increasing job responsibilities associated with growing patient complexity and caseloads. Significant systemic barriers impede the effective delivery of speech-language pathology services in head and neck cancer care. Our findings and recommendations create an important foundation for healthcare agency decisions on the allocation and funding of speech-language pathology services.