Factors contributing to clinician training and development in the clinical area of laryngectomy and tracheoesophageal voice.

Background: It has long been recognized that tracheoesophageal speech (TES) rehabilitation after laryngectomy is a specialized area of practice for speech and language therapist (SLTs) due to the complex nature of patient presentation and the invasive components of the SLT's role in this area. Therefore, postgraduate experience and training is required to work competently and safely in this clinical area. However, it is generally acknowledged that the steps and processes followed by individual clinicians to achieve this training and clinical skill development are inconsistent and vary widely across services.

Speech and language therapists' reflections on developing and maintaining confidence in tracheoesophageal speech rehabilitation.

Background: The management of tracheoesophageal speech (TES) rehabilitation is an area of speech and language therapists' (SLTs) clinical practice where knowledge and skills are primarily developed through postgraduate workplace experience and training. Although recent research suggests clinicians in Australia perceive there is adequate access to workplace training, little is known about how clinicians develop and/or maintain clinical confidence when working in this specialist caseload.

Aims: To investigate factors that contribute to development of clinician confidence as well as the factors that impact on improving and maintaining confidence when working in the clinical area of TES rehabilitation.

Factors influencing clinical consistency and variability in voice prosthesis management.

Purpose: Anecdotally it is recognised that management of tracheoesophageal speech (TES) post-laryngectomy varies between speech language pathology (SLP) services and clinicians. This study reviewed patterns of practice for TES management to examine patterns of practice and explore factors influencing variability.

Method: A national survey was completed by SLP's from clinical services which manage TES.

Can human mannequin-based simulation provide a feasible and clinically acceptable method for training tracheostomy management skills for speech-language pathologists?

Purpose: Workplace training for tracheostomy management is currently recognized to be inconsistent and insufficient. A novel approach, using technology-enhanced simulation, may provide a solution to training tracheostomy management skills by providing a consistent, time-efficient, and risk-free learning environment. The current research evaluated clinicians' tracheostomy skills acquisition after training in a simulated learning environment and explored changes in clinicians' confidence and perceptions after the experience.

Device life of the Provox Vega voice prosthesis.

Device life of the Provox Vega Indwelling voice prosthesis is as yet untested outside Europe. The current study examined device life and reasons for replacement within an Australian clinical setting. Twenty-three participants were monitored for device life and reasons for replacement.