Question
What is the role of clinical research in communication sciences and disorders? How vital are these studies, and how can they be applied within the hospital or educational setting?
Answer
The role of clinical research is to inform the field about the effectiveness of clinical practices. Since it provides an important base of evidence for clinical decision-making, it is vital to our work. As for applications of this research, understanding formal rules of evidence is necessary to correctly interpret literature on causation, prognosis, diagnostic tests, and treatment strategies. I would recommend NSSLHA's Spring 2006 CICSD Journal, vol. 33, as a great resource for this information. Evidence-based practice is nothing short of a paradigm shift for how we grapple with decisions of everyday clinical work. In effect, it takes the position that clinical experience and intuition are important but insufficient tools for conducting clinical practice.
Clifford Highnam received his Ph.D. in speech-language pathology from Bowling Green State University. He teaches courses addressing special populations and school-age language disorders. His research interests involve language acquisition and language impairment in children. Currently he serves as head of the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Northern Iowa.
Clifford Highnam, Ph.D
Related Courses
1https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/treatment-approach-considerations-for-school-9472Treatment Approach Considerations for School-Aged Children with Speech Sound DisordersThis course will address the theoretical underpinnings and research base related to differential diagnosis and treatment of articulation and phonological deficits in children with speech sound disorders. Special considerations for how to tailor evaluation and intervention to meet the needs of school-age children will be discussed.auditory, textual, visual
This course will address the theoretical underpinnings and research base related to differential diagnosis and treatment of articulation and phonological deficits in children with speech sound disorders. Special considerations for how to tailor evaluation and intervention to meet the needs of school-age children will be discussed.
2https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/ripple-effect-stuttering-community-based-9217The Ripple Effect of Stuttering: A Community-Based ApproachThis is Part 2 of a four-part series. The stuttering experience has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the child who stutters. Parents, teachers, peers, and others must possess both knowledge and skills to best support children who stutter. This course will highlight new clinical tools and resources to provide a community-based treatment approach for stuttering. (Part 1 - Course 9278, Part 3 - Course 9301, Part 4 - Course 9304)auditory, textual, visual
This is Part 2 of a four-part series. The stuttering experience has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the child who stutters. Parents, teachers, peers, and others must possess both knowledge and skills to best support children who stutter. This course will highlight new clinical tools and resources to provide a community-based treatment approach for stuttering. (Part 1 - Course 9278, Part 3 - Course 9301, Part 4 - Course 9304)
3https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/behavioral-frameworks-for-dementia-management-9473Behavioral Frameworks for Dementia ManagementThis course will focus on cognitive-communication intervention strategies for various dementia presentations and will provide a review of evidence-based treatment. Behavioral frameworks along with their rationales will be introduced and applied across several dementia types and mild, moderate and severe levels of impairment.auditory, textual, visual
This course will focus on cognitive-communication intervention strategies for various dementia presentations and will provide a review of evidence-based treatment. Behavioral frameworks along with their rationales will be introduced and applied across several dementia types and mild, moderate and severe levels of impairment.
4https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-infection-control-strategies-for-972920Q: Infection Control Strategies for SLPsSpeech-language pathologists are expected by policy authorities to apply appropriate measures to protect patients, co-workers and themselves in clinical situations that may expose individuals to infectious microbes. This article provides practical guidelines for implementing infection control principles within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including discussion of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting and cleaning products.textual, visual
Speech-language pathologists are expected by policy authorities to apply appropriate measures to protect patients, co-workers and themselves in clinical situations that may expose individuals to infectious microbes. This article provides practical guidelines for implementing infection control principles within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including discussion of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting and cleaning products.
5https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/thickened-liquids-in-clinical-practice-10497Thickened Liquids in Clinical Practice: The Plot “Thickens”Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contraindications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including impacts on medication administration, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate choices for individual clients.auditory, textual, visual
Clinicians who utilize thickened liquids in their clinical practice are aware of their benefits, but what about the risks and contraindications? Advantages and disadvantages of thickened liquids are reviewed in this course with a focus on clinical outcomes, including impacts on medication administration, lung health, and hydration. Product types are evaluated to facilitate appropriate choices for individual clients.
