Optimizing Communication in Mechanically Ventilated Patients.

Purpose: To describe the types of talking tracheostomy tubes available, present four case studies of critically ill patients who used a specialized tracheostomy tube to improve speech, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, propose patient selection criteria, and provide practical recommendations for medical care providers.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent tracheostomy in 2010.

Results: Of the 220 patients who received a tracheostomy in 2010, 164 (74.

Radiation safety for the speech-language pathologist.

It is the responsibility of the medical Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) who performs video-assisted fluoroscopy of swallowing (VFSS) to be aware of guidelines, recommendations, and preventive measures to reduce radiation to oneself and the patient. Established parameters to reduce radiation during videofluoroscopy include keeping the exposure time brief, using lead aprons and other shielding, and maximizing the distance from the source of radiation. The purpose of this study was to measure radiation exposure to SLPs in the clinical setting and to provide practical recommendations to keep radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.