Structure of treatment goals set by expert voice-specialized speech-language pathologists for patients with vocal needs

Abstract

Purpose: to determine the structure of treatment goals set by expert voice-specialized speech-language pathologists in treatment plans for patients with vocal needs. Methods: a cross-sectional documentary research was conducted to analyze 129 treatment goals proposed in treatment plans by 30 expert voice-specialized speech-language pathologists. These goals were thematically analyzed and organized according to the therapeutic content addressed. The goals including the notion of patient in their wording, the statement of a specific purpose, the method for achieving it, and the presence of outcome criteria, were evaluated. Results: most treatment goals analyzed correspond to those aimed at modifying vocal parameters (67.4%). The contents referring to muscle tone (13.8%), vocal hygiene and education (10%), breathing (7.75%), and posture (1.55%) are represented to a lesser extent. From the total number of treatment goals analyzed, 82.17% include the notion of patient, 88.37% indicate the method, 100% indicate the purpose, 52.71% state the outcome criteria used, and 17.05% include other components in their structure. Conclusions: diversity in goal setting shows different visions by the professionals involved in the therapeutic process.