Alison Russell

Prevalence of voice problems in teachers

Teachers are frequently cited as experiencing a high rate of vocal dysfunction (1-7). Despite considerable research in the area of voice problems in teachers, the prevalence of voice disorders in this group is unknown. This study investigated the prevalence of self-reported voice problems in teachers using a mail survey of a simple random sample of 1168 state school teachers (preschool-Grade 12) in South Australia. As part of the survey, teachers were asked to report voice problems for the day of the survey, during the current teaching year, and during their careers. The response rate was 75%, with 16% of teachers reporting voice problems on the day of the survey, 20% reporting problems during the current teaching year, and 19% reporting problems at some time during their career. Females were twice as likely as males to report voice problems. These findings clearly indicate a need for further investigation of the causes of vocal dysfunction in teachers and for the development of educational programs aimed at preventing voice problems in this group of professional voice users.

Characteristics of normal larynges under flexible fiberscopic and stroboscopic examination: An Australian perspective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the structure and function of larynges of 35 subjects with normal voices. Volunteers aged between 20 and 50 years with no history of voice disorders or laryngeal surgery, no current allergies, no formal voice training, and no hyperactive gag reflex were required to perform various vocal manoeuvres that were carried out under continuous and stroboscopic light. An assessment form was devised to record the condition and function of the larynx. The videotapes of the procedure were rated by experienced judges. The Australian Fiberscopic Profile was devised to record the relevant parameters under continuous light. Videostroboscopic ratings were carried out using the Bless protocol rating. High interjudge agreement was found across the two rating profiles.

Use of AAC by individuals with acquired neurologic communication disabilities: Results of an Australian survey

A demographic survey of speech pathologists was conducted in Australia to investigate the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with adults with acquired neurologic communication disabilities. Questionnaires were distributed to all speech pathologists who were members of the Australian Association of Speech and Hearing and listed themselves as working with an adult or mixed caseload. Questions related to the clinicians background, experience and interest in AAC, knowledge of and expertise with high and low technology systems, and factors related to successful outcomes for clients. Subjective data from the questionnaire were collated and the results and their implications are discussed.

Have women's voices lowered across time? A cross sectional study of Australian women's voices*

Various aspects of our communication are well known to have changed over time (1-3). This article describes a cross-sectional study that examined the acoustic characteristics of two groups of Australian women aged 18-25 years from recordings made in 1945 and 1993 and investigated the possible changes in the voice across generations. Archival recordings from 1945 which had been used in a longitudinal study (4) were compared to recordings made in 1993. The results of this study show that women in 1993 have significantly deeper voices than women of the same age recorded in 1945. The possible factors influencing this change are discussed.

Learning about the Dynamic Swallowing Process Using an Interactive Multimedia Program

The management of dysphagia is the largest recognized subspecialty in the field of speech-language pathology. Practicing speech-language pathologists require a comprehensive theoretical and functional knowledge base to underpin the safe and effective management of people with dysphagia. Students need to develop an understanding of the normal integrated swallow and how it can be affected to appreciate the assessment or treatment of dysphagia. Although students are well motivated to learn this material, assimilating knowledge of the dynamic nature of the swallow has typically been problematic because of its complex character. The limitations of currently available teaching resources have been addressed by the production of an interactive multimedia program that includes integrated presentation of text, graphics, voice-overs, and video and animation sequences to highlight various aspects of the swallowing process. Students can selectively manipulate parts of this process to understand the normal swallow and to simulate different aspects of dysfunction and the consequent effects on swallow safety and efficiency. Feedback from students, faculty, and experts has demonstrated that The Dynamic Swallow would be a valued tool in the teaching of dysphagia.

Prevalence of self-reported voice problems in the general population in South Australia

This study determined the prevalence of self-reported voice problems in the general population. By including questions in the The Health Omnibus Survey, conducted in conjunction with the South Australian Health Commission, data were collected from a random sample of 2210 adults living in South Australia and aged between 21 and 64 years. For the purpose of this study, a voice problem was defined as any difficulty that prevented the respondent from doing all they wanted to with their voice. This provided a definition which used the respondent as the “norm” against which to make judgements, thereby avoiding possible ambiguity with interpretation of arbitrary descriptions of what constitutes a normal voice, while still allowing each individual to have different expectations of their own voice. Prevalence was determined over three time periods: adult life, this year and on the day of the survey. The prevalence of self-reported voice problems during adult life was 6.8%; year prevalence was 4.0%; and point prevalence was 3.1%. This is the first study to determine the prevalence of self-reported voice problems in a large, representative sample of the general population. The rigor of the respondent selection and the data collection ensures that these data make a valuable contribution to our understanding of the prevalence of self-reported voice problems in the general population.

Integrating Student Assessment Practices: the significance of collaborative partnerships for curriculum and professional development in a university department

Abstract The purposes and practices of student assessment in all sectors of education are contested. So when the members of a university department decide to collaborate in order to integrate their assessment requirements, what they enter into is a program of personal and collective review that begins to unmask the moral and political dynamics of curriculum and professional development. This article describes such a collaborative project, its processes and its products, as well as the dynamics of collective review as they relate to facilitation, organisational change, and comfortable versus critical collaboration.

The influence student placement experience can have on the employment choices of graduates: A paediatric nursing context

This paper explores how the student placement experience may influence employment choices in the context of paediatric nursing. A qualitative research methodology was used. Data was collected using semi structured interviews at a tertiary teaching hospital. The sample group comprised of six newly qualified nurses who had completed their Bachelor of Nursing less than 12 months before the interview. They had completed at least one clinical placement at the site of data collection in their 2nd or 3rd year of undergraduate nursing studies. The main themes contributing to the student nurse experience within the context of paediatric nursing included the wish to work with children, a job being available, support during clinical placements and assistance with future career planning while on placement. The support experienced by student nurses during their clinical placement was seen to have a very positive influence on their future employment choices. Group de-briefing to support mutual understanding and sharing was seen to be a highly positive aspect of a clinical placement. Also how students were treated by clinical staff was a key factor that influenced future employment choices.

Interprofessional learning, impression management, and spontaneity in the acute healthcare setting

ABSTRACT Spontaneous learning is integral to definitions of interprofessional learning (IPL) because it has been suggested that spontaneous learning can be deeply connected with the work that people do in collaboration with colleagues via their professional networks. However, its nature and the processes involved are not well understood. Goffman’s theory of impression management offers a useful theoretical framework to consider the way in which interaction in the workplace connects to spontaneous learning. This article explores the current literature to investigate the usefulness of this framework to better understand and identify spontaneous learning in the workplace. Aspects such as the connections between spontaneous learning occurring in formal and informal work activities, the spaces in which it occurs, and the influence of professional networking are considered. It is proposed that research directed to developing a better understanding of the nature of spontaneous learning in IPL will assist in connecting this learning to formal IPL curricula, enhancing IPL and patient outcomes