International expert perspectives on the principles and components of effective intervention for adults who stutter
Authors: Connery Amy , Galvin Rose , McCurtin Arlene 
Published: October 2020

Background

While evidence‐based practice is widely endorsed by researchers, clinicians and professional bodies as a guiding framework for the provision of quality care to clients, the reliance on efficacy evidence may overshadow the benefits of other knowledge forms in supporting intervention design and evaluation. Due consideration needs to be given to varied forms of evidence, including practice and patient evidence. Stuttering intervention for adults is one area in which there is a significant shortage of practice‐based research literature.

Aims

This study aimed to add to practice evidence by exploring the perspectives of international researchers and clinical experts on the components of effective stuttering intervention. This practice‐based evidence will be used to inform the multi‐stakeholder co‐design of an evidence‐based stuttering intervention for adults.

Methods & Procedures

Criteria defining expertise were developed based on a review of the literature. Experts were recruited using purposive sampling and snowballing. Seventeen international experts were approached, of which 10 completed semi‐structured interviews. Interview questions were developed and centred on five topics: the nature of stuttering; efficacy evidence base; intervention techniques, principles of effective intervention; and outcome measurement.

Outcomes & Results

Inductive thematic analysis identified three overarching themes: ‘One size doesn't fit all’, ‘A really collaborative relationship where we are both bringing our sense of expertise to this’ and ‘Some of the most frustrating things’.

Conclusions & Implications

These findings emphasize the complexity of stuttering intervention, the need for individually tailored treatments and the role of multiple factors, beyond therapeutic technique, that influence treatment outcomes. Findings also demonstrate the benefit of collecting practice‐based evidence to support clinical decision‐making and intervention evaluation.

What this paper adds

What is already known on the subject

Evidence‐based practice involves the synthesis of multiple forms of knowledge, including research, practice and patient evidence to support clinical decision‐making and intervention evaluation. Research evidence for stuttering intervention effectiveness is the dominant form of knowledge in stuttering literature, while other forms such as practice and patient evidence are less represented.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

This study provides valuable practice evidence for effective stuttering intervention components, including individually tailored intervention, person‐related factors and therapeutic alliance. It highlights the need to consider multiple forms of knowledge to guide the design and evaluation of intervention.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

Clinicians should adopt a person‐centred care approach when designing and evaluating an intervention for adults who stutter. Multiple factors beyond therapeutic technique influence treatment outcomes and should be incorporated into any intervention for adults who stutter.