Dysarthria Assessment across Spain: A Survey Study of Tools, Practices, and Needs
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| Title: | Dysarthria Assessment across Spain: A Survey Study of Tools, Practices, and Needs |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Neus Calaf (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2025 60(5). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Articulation Impairments, Neurological Impairments, Disability Identification, Spanish Speaking, Cultural Context, Speech Language Pathology, Test Construction, Test Validity, Allied Health Personnel |
| Geographic Terms: | Spain |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70122 |
| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Dysarthria, a motor speech disorder that has a significant impact on communication, requires precise assessment for accurate diagnosis and intervention. Although internationally recognised assessment tools exist, many are not culturally or linguistically adapted for Spanish-speaking populations. The objective of this study was to investigate how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Spain navigate the lack of appropriate dysarthria assessment tools and identify the additional resources and tools required to enhance evaluation practices. Method: This cross-sectional study surveyed 73 licensed SLPs in Spain using a 36-question online questionnaire, collecting data on a broad spectrum of topics, such as clinical experience, dysarthria assessment tools, tasks, and bilingual/multilingual practices. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to identify and highlight the key trends. Results: The findings revealed that participants commonly relied on informal tools for dysarthria assessment, with frequent use of linguistically dependent tasks, such as word repetition, loud reading, and sentence repetition, in addition to orofacial motricity. Participants also reported low use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and showed confusion regarding the validation status of the tools they used. Additionally, many expressed dissatisfaction with the current tools, highlighting the lack of comprehensive and culturally adapted instruments. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for validated, standardised, culturally and linguistically adapted tools for dysarthria assessment in Spain. The reliance on informal assessments and the combination of multiple tools highlights gaps in current resources. Future efforts should focus on developing comprehensive, adaptable tools that address the full range of dysarthria symptoms and raise awareness about the importance of tool validation to ensure consistent and effective care for Spain's diverse population. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1484138 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Dysarthria, a motor speech disorder that has a significant impact on communication, requires precise assessment for accurate diagnosis and intervention. Although internationally recognised assessment tools exist, many are not culturally or linguistically adapted for Spanish-speaking populations. The objective of this study was to investigate how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Spain navigate the lack of appropriate dysarthria assessment tools and identify the additional resources and tools required to enhance evaluation practices. Method: This cross-sectional study surveyed 73 licensed SLPs in Spain using a 36-question online questionnaire, collecting data on a broad spectrum of topics, such as clinical experience, dysarthria assessment tools, tasks, and bilingual/multilingual practices. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to identify and highlight the key trends. Results: The findings revealed that participants commonly relied on informal tools for dysarthria assessment, with frequent use of linguistically dependent tasks, such as word repetition, loud reading, and sentence repetition, in addition to orofacial motricity. Participants also reported low use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and showed confusion regarding the validation status of the tools they used. Additionally, many expressed dissatisfaction with the current tools, highlighting the lack of comprehensive and culturally adapted instruments. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for validated, standardised, culturally and linguistically adapted tools for dysarthria assessment in Spain. The reliance on informal assessments and the combination of multiple tools highlights gaps in current resources. Future efforts should focus on developing comprehensive, adaptable tools that address the full range of dysarthria symptoms and raise awareness about the importance of tool validation to ensure consistent and effective care for Spain's diverse population. |
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| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70122 |
