Communicative and Situational Preparedness and Agility in Voice Therapy

摘要

Voice speech-language pathologists (SLPs) develop a routine for professional communication, a “spiel” as described by Helou et al[1] in this issue; yet, they adjust to turns in communication and situational changes skillfully. The roots of communicative preparedness are laid in student observations of various clinicians, academic and clinical coursework, clinical externships and fellowship, and continuing education. The agility improves with time and growing skills but could be fostered in the future by formalizing training of meta-therapy skills for voice therapy as advocated by Helou et al.[1] On top of that, 2020 required from patients and SLPs alike an unprecedented level of adjustment and situational flexibility and preparedness due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SLPs were able to swiftly change course delivering voice therapy, when supported by their administration. Patients who were technologically equipped and open to experience were at an advantage.