Practice Patterns of Speech-Language Pathologists Assessing Intelligibility of Dysarthric Speech

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the practice patterns of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in health care settings when assessing the speech of individuals with dysarthria. Method: In two separate mailings, surveys were mailed to 1998 SLPs working in health care settings. The combined return rate was 16.1% (i.e., 322 of 1998). Of the 322 participants, only 195 (61%) reported working with individuals with dysarthria and completed the survey. Results: Participants reported considering signal-dependent and signal-independent factors when assessing the speech intelligibility of a person with dysarthria. Assessment practices included a variety of communication partners and speech tasks, as well as estimates and ratings of intelligibility. Formal speech tests were used infrequently. The participants tried a variety of signal-dependent (e.g., increasing loudness) and signal-independent (e.g., considering the environment) strategies with patients with dysarthria during the assessment to improve speech intelligibility. The focus of the dynamic assessment appeared to be restorative rather than compensatory. Overall, the reported assessment practices appeared to be affected by time constraints and demands of the clinician's caseload.