The development of treatment recommendations for Facial Oral Tract Therapy (F.O.T.T.) by means of a consensus process [Die entwicklung von konsensusempfehlungen zur Facio-Oralen Trakt Therapie (F.O.T.T.)]

摘要

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop recommendations for treatment procedures of Facial Oral Tract Therapy (F.O.T.T.) in a four round consensus process by international multidisciplinary experts and users. F.O.T.T. provides a structured interdisciplinary approach to the assessment and treatment of disturbances in facial expression, oral movements, swallowing and breathing caused by neurological disorders. So far there are a few studies and publications concerning F.O.T.T. with level of evidence class III and IV of ?ZQ (german board of medical quality insurance). Methods: Consensus decision making process was made by using the nominal group technique and the Delphi technique. The expert sample included seventeen licensed instructors and users of F.O.T.T. including physio-, occupational-, speech and language therapists and nurses. Based on a systematic review a catalogue of treatment procedures was developed in four consensus rounds. After the last two rounds a five point Likert-rating was used for determining the consensus. The level of consensus was set at 80%. Results: After the 3rd conference only 4 of 47 items were rated 90%. After the 4th round all 46 items of the final version were rated 90%. Ten items reached a consensus of 100%. Conclusions: For the first time recommendations for comprehensive F.O.T.T. therapeutic interventions in a formal consensus process were defined, which may serve as a basis for further recommendations and studies.