Recommendations for speech-language pathologists in paediatric palliative care teams (ReSP³CT): An international modified Delphi study

Abstract

Purpose: There is emerging recognition within the literature that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have a role in the provision of paediatric palliative care (PPC). SLPs, however, experience unique challenges when working with this vulnerable young cohort of patients, their families and multidisciplinary teams. This study aims to develop practice recommendations based on best available evidence.

Method: A modified Delphi technique was utilised to develop group consensus over a series of survey rounds. Statements for voting were synthesised by critically reviewing recurring themes from previous studies, involving (i) a scoping literature review, (ii) an online survey, and (iii) interview data. Nine participants were recruited using consecutive sampling from the interview phase related to this study.

Result: Twenty-one statements were voted upon over two survey rounds (100% response rate). Agreement levels of ≥70% across all statements were reached after the first round. There was a significant correlation between rating a statement as “essential” and a strong level of agreement (p < 0.0001). Intraparticipant agreement between rounds is also reported.

Conclusion: The 21 statements form Recommendations for Speech-Language Pathologists in Paediatric Palliative Care Teams (ReSP³CT). The statements will support SLPs working within PPC to promote advocacy, professional development and enhance team involvement in this developing field.

Keywords:

• speech-language pathology
• paediatric
• child
• palliative care
• end-of-life

Acknowledgements

Appreciation is acknowledged to A/Prof Bruce D. Rumbold (Director, Public Health Palliative Care Unit, La Trobe University) and A/Prof Tanya A. Serry (School of Education, La Trobe University).

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2020.1866073

Additional information

Funding

The first author was supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program scholarship for the duration of this study.