Past Projects ( S - Z )
Past Project: ( A - F ) ( G - L ) ( M - R ) ( S - Z )
Speech and Language Effectiveness with Pre-School Children
Funded by South West R&D Directorate of the NHS Executive
November 1995 - July 1999
This project was a randomised controlled trial which aimed to establish the effectiveness of speech & language therapy and to track the natural history of early language delay in pre-school children under the age of 3-6 years. It compared the progress of children receiving therapy with the spontaneous progress of children during a period of monitoring. The project followed 159 children aged under 3;06 years, who show no overt oral-motor deficits and/or severe learning difficulties. The children, once referred for speech & language therapy were assessed by their local therapist. Those falling within the criteria for the study were randomly assigned to one of two groups:
Therapy now: Children received individual therapy starting immediately, for a period of up to 12 months.
Therapy later: Children received general advice, were assessed again after six months and given further advice; a final assessment was carried out at twelve months post-intake to the trial. Children still experiencing significant difficulties were offered intensive therapy. This was provided by the research team in consultation with local therapists. These groups were further stratified according to the child's difficulties in phonology, expressive and receptive language. All children were assessed by the research team at six and twelve months post-intake to the trial. Assessments included standardised assessments of speech and language, language samples, observations of play and attention as well as parent questionnaires and interviews.
The Efficacy of Speech & Language Therapy: Review of the Literature.
P Enderby & J Emerson
Funded by the Department of Health
April 1993 - September 1993
This project undertook a review of the international literature to survey work on the efficacy of speech and language therapy in a number of clinical areas; stammering, dysphonia, dysphasia, dysarthria, laryngectomy, cleft palate, developmental disorders and learning difficulties. This aim was to identify the state of knowledge in each field and make recommendations for future research.
The Identification of Priority Children from Pre-School Referrals to Speech & Language Therapy
Funded by REMEDI April 1990 - March 1992
and Department of Health Training Award April 1992 - March 1995
This study investigated the process by which speech and language therapists select preschool children for therapy. A group of experienced speech and language therapists identified the particular aspects of communication they felt to be important indicators of difficulties in children aged 2, 2 ½ and 3 years. Interviews with therapists early in the project highlighted the influence of their working context on selection decisions and a survey of policies and procedures (i.e. those which affect the management of the preschool child) was undertaken and the documentation analysed.
Use of Paramedical Services by GPs
Funded by the Regional Audit Committee.
June 1992 - May 1993
General Practitioners refer patients to many different paramedical services for assessment and treatment of a broad range of disorders. There are different patterns of the usage of paramedic services by different practices. This study identified criteria used by general practitioners when referring patients and compared them with the views of the specialist paramedics. Criteria were developed to assist with appropriate referral and the changes in referral patterns were monitored.
The Use of Microcomputers in the Home-based Remediation of Dysphasic Stroke Patients
B Petheram.
Funded by The Underwood Trust and The University of the West of
1991
This project investigated the potential of microcomputer-based systems as a medium for the provision of self-administered aphasia therapy for stroke victims in their homes. The amount and consistency of usage of the system made by the subjects in the trial support the contention that microcomputers are a viable medium for the home-based administration of aphasia therapy material.