Abstract
We surveyed speech language pathology (SLP) programs for head and neck cancer (HNC) training. Program directors of 242 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredited masters programs for SLP were contacted regarding curricular HNC material. Directors (n = 120) responded online: six included a required course in HNC, and all but two programs with no required HNC course included HNC topics in other required courses. Thirty-two programs were affiliated with a medical center and/or a teaching hospital. Programs that offered either a required course in HNC or elective courses on HNC were more likely to be affiliated with a medical center and/or a teaching hospital than programs that did not offer a required course in HNC (P=0.043) or elective courses on HNC (P=0.007), respectively. Few programs offer a required HNC course but most programs integrate HNC content into the required coursework. Potential strategies to incorporate HNC exposure into formal SLP programs are identified.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bernier J, Cooper JS (2005) Chemoradiation after surgery for high-risk head and neck cancer patients: how strong is the evidence? Oncologist 10(3):215–224
Moyer JS, Wolf GT, Bradford CR (2004) Current thoughts on the role of chemotherapy and radiation in advanced head and neck cancer. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 12(2):82–87
Chang YC, Chen SY, Lui LT et al (2003) Dysphagia in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer after radiation therapy: a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Dysphagia 18(2):135–143
Chen AY, Frankowski R, Bishop-Leone J et al (2001) The development and validation of a dysphagia-specific quality-of-life questionnaire for patients with head and neck cancer: the M. D. Anderson dysphagia inventory. Arch Otolaryngol 127(7):870–876
Eisbruch A (2004) Dysphagia and aspiration following chemo-irradiation of head and neck cancer: major obstacles to intensification of therapy. Ann Oncol 15(3):363–364
List MA, Bilir SP (2004) Functional outcomes in head and neck cancer. Semin Radiat Oncol 14(2):178–189
Smith RV, Kotz T, Beitler JJ et al (2000) Long-term swallowing problems after organ preservation therapy with concomitant radiation therapy and intravenous hydroxyurea: initial results. Arch Otolaryngol 126(3):384–389
Zelefsky MJ, Gaynor J, Kraus D et al (1996) Long-term subjective functional outcome of surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy for advanced stage oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinoma. Am J Surg 171(2):258–261
Samlan RA, Webster KT (2002) Swallowing and speech therapy after definitive treatment for laryngeal cancer. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 35(5):1115–1133
Allen SM, Culhane RW, Johnston H et al (1998) Laryngectomy services in Canada: a preliminary survey. J Speech Lang Pathol Audiol 22(3):176–187
Beaudin PG, Godes JR, Gowan AC et al (2003) An Education and training survey of speech-language pathologist working with individuals with cancer of the larynx. J Speech Lang Pathol Audiol 27(3):144–156
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank Brittany DeJarnett and Caroline Wylie for contacting the speech language pathology programs, and all the speech language pathology program directors for completing the survey.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yuen, H.K., Fallis, M. & Martin-Harris, B. A Survey of Head and Neck Cancer Curriculum in United States Speech Language Pathology Masters Programs. J Canc Educ 25, 556–559 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-010-0106-x
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-010-0106-x