Objective: To investigate people with Parkinson’s disease’s (PwPD) 1) communication and swallowing difficulties; 2) participation and psychosocial impacts of these difficulties 3) experience with and access to SLP services; and 4) perspectives on telepractice as a service delivery method.

Background: Communication and swallowing disorders are highly prevalent in PwPD and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess and manage these deficits. Unfortunately, access to services is limited on an international scale. Telepractice, the use of technology to provide services from a distance, may be one solution to improving access. The perspectives of PwPD regarding communication and swallowing disorders, plus SLP services in Australia is limited. A greater understanding of their experiences would be beneficial to: highlight the importance of services; evaluate the current status of services; identify factors that influence service access; and determine attitudes towards telepractice as an option to improving access to SLP services.

Methods: A cross-sectional, mix-methods online survey was conducted. Nonprobability, purposive sampling was utilised to recruit PwPD.

Results: Seventy-seven participants responded. Almost all reported changes to their communication (97%) and swallowing (93%), while only 59% had previously accessed SLP services. Some of the common complaints were: soft or quiet voice; word finding difficulties; more saliva/drooling; and food stuck in my throat. A range of participation restriction and emotional impact themes were identified due to these changes. The highest reasons for not accessing an SLP were that neither their GP nor neurologist had suggested this service. The majority of PwPD wanted to access SLP at some point in the future. Most of those who had previous services wanted ongoing support. 69% of respondents said they would definitely or possibly consider using telepractice for SLP services. Clinicians level of experience with PD, ease of technology use and the ability to achieve the same outcomes as face-to-face therapy were the most important factors to PwPD if they were to receive services online.

Conclusions: This study provides insight on the everyday impacts of communication and swallowing changes by PwPD, their desire for SLP services and important factors relating to telepractice services.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/communication-and-swallowing-disorders-in-people-with-parkinsons-disease-a-national-survey-on-everyday-impacts-and-service-access/