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This study provides further evidence of WM deficits following TBI as well as possible SA deficits in some individuals. The results also suggest that WM and SA are inter-related processes. Future studies are needed to replicate the results with larger sample sizes. Based on these findings, patients with TBI may present with WM and SA deficits.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the typical symptoms and medical management characteristics of adult patients with refractory chronic cough (RCC) who are referred to speech-language pathology (SLP) for behavioral cough suppression therapy (BCST) in order to estimate cost-effectiveness and efficiency of current practice patterns for this population. Methods One hundred sixty-four (164) patients with RCC referred for BCST were surveyed. Patients completed an initial survey at BCST onset related to symptom pattern and prior treatment, including the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). Every four to six weeks patients completed follow-up surveys to assess their response to BCST. Results Mean age was 58 years (83.5% women). The majority of patients reported their cough began two or more years prior to BCST. Approximately half (49%) reported seeing four or more physicians (including primary care physicians) and being prescribed four or more medications (57%) prior to BCST. Medications targeting post-nasal drip (72%), reflux (70%), asthma (56%), and allergies (56%) were most commonly prescribed. BCST resulted in a clinically significant improvement in 70.1% of participants. The mean change in LCQ for those who improved with BCST was 6.61. Over half (58%) reported they were quite satisfied to completely satisfied with their treatment response. The average time from enrollment to study completion was 64 days. Conclusion The results of this study suggest early intervention with BCST may be a cost-effective and efficient option for patients with RCC.

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The purpose of this exploratory research was to describe current referral and practice patterns for behavioral cough suppression therapy (BCST) throughout the United States, and to assess the need for improving the efficiency of BCST referral patterns. In study I, 126 speech-language pathologists, who treat patients with refractory chronic cough (RCC) in the United States, completed a survey about referral patterns, cough duration, and patient frustration level. In study II, 36 adults with RCC referred for BCST completed a four-part survey about cough symptoms and treatment. The survey included the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) before and after BCST. Study I revealed significant patient frustration about the treatment process and the wait-time for BCST. Participants in study II reported average cough duration of over 2 years before BCST. Twenty-seven of 31 participants in study II improved by at least 1.3 on the LCQ, indicating a clinically significant improvement in 87% of patients. This study suggests that the current management model for CC may be unduly time-consuming, and expensive for patients with CC who are successfully treated with BCST. Practitioners are encouraged to consider BCST earlier in the treatment process.