The impact of PD Check‐In on self‐management skills for maintenance of speech after intensive treatment
Authors: Finnimore Ann , Theodoros Deborah , Rumbach Anna F. 
Published: February 2024

Background

Maintenance of speech outcomes following speech‐language therapy (SLT) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is an unmet expectation of people with PD (PWPD) and poorly defined in SLT practice. PD Check‐In, a model for supported self‐managed maintenance of speech following Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD was investigated.

Aims

To investigate the impact of the semi‐structured component of PD Check‐In on the adoption of self‐management concepts and behaviours and the identification of facilitators, barriers and strategies for speech maintenance by PWPD over 24 months post‐treatment.

Methods and procedure

Following LSVT LOUD, 16 PWPD participated in individual PD Check‐In semi‐structured discussions with a SLT at 6 and 12 weeks, and 6, 12 and 24 months post treatment. A two‐stage qualitative content analysis was applied: directed content analysis using categories from the theoretical framework of PD Check‐In followed by inductive content analysis to identify subcategories.

Outcomes and results

Statements from PWPD indicated adoption of seven concepts of self‐management across participants and across time. Six concepts from the theoretical framework of PD Check‐In (partnerships, self‐reflection, maintenance barriers and facilitators, revision of LSVT LOUD skill, goal setting and maintenance strategies), and one new category, participation, emerged from the analysis. Self‐reflection, maintenance facilitators and barriers and participation were most prevalent in discussions. PWPD identified facilitators, barriers and strategies for maintenance across time points.

Conclusions and implications

Statements from PWPD indicated a positive impact of SLT‐supported self‐management of speech using self‐tailored strategies for sustainable maintenance according to their individual circumstances and needs.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on this subject

People with Parkinson's disease (PWPD) have expressed their need for speech‐language therapy (SLT) services that are accessible for the duration of the condition and responsive to their expectation of maintaining speech following treatment. Outcomes for maintenance of the treatment effect following Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD are variable.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

This study presents the outcomes of five PD Check‐In interventions delivered in semi‐structured discussions between PWPD and a SLT over 24 months following LSVT LOUD for the development of self‐management skills and behaviours. PWPD adopted self‐management positively using self‐tailored strategies for sustainable maintenance according to their individual circumstances and needs.

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

PWPD responded positively to the individual development of self‐management skills and behaviours over time. Individuality and flexible responsivity are features of PD Check‐In which resonate with PWPD and speak to SLT supported self‐managed maintenance of speech as a long‐term model for PD.