Rehabilitation of Swallowing and Language Ability in Patients With Severe Acquired Brain Injury: An Online International Survey.

Authors

Amandine Regnier, Olivia Gosseries, Evelyne Mélotte, Sophie Gillet, Alfonso Magliacano, Zhanna Bottaeva, Bahia Hakiki, Caroline Schnakers, Priscilla Cassar, Aurore Thibaut, Steve Majerus, Enrique Noé, Roberto Llorens, Petra Maurer-Karattup, Loles Navarro Pérez, Ekaterina Fufaeva, Rita Formisano, Anna Estraneo, Charlène Aubinet

Published in

American journal of speech-language pathology. Pages 1-22. Oct 29, 2026. Epub Oct 29, 2026.

Abstract

Patients with severe acquired brain injury and disorders of consciousness (DoC) are noncommunicative and present with severe dysphagia. To characterize current practices, identify gaps, and explore emerging approaches in postcomatose rehabilitation, the DoC Special Interest Group of the International Brain Injury Association conducted an international survey on speech-language therapy (SLT) practices.
An online questionnaire, available in seven languages, was disseminated to clinicians involved in swallowing and/or language and communication rehabilitation of patients with DoC. The survey captured (a) sociodemographic and practice setting information, (b) general postcomatose SLT practices, (c) swallowing assessment and management, and (d) language and communication assessment and management.
Responses were obtained from 166 clinicians, predominantly speech-language pathologists (74%), working in acute/subacute care (38%) or in longer-term rehabilitation (71%). Most assessed (74%) and managed (74%) swallowing disorders, and 25% created or adapted their own assessment tools. For language and communication, most respondents reported assessing (82%) and managing (76%) these abilities, with frequent use of augmentative and alternative communication (71%). Family input was considered central, for identifying motivating stimuli (96%) and involving relatives in therapy (87%). While 29% developed their own language assessment tools, 51% did so for intervention tools, reflecting limited validated resources.
Clinicians worldwide assess and manage swallowing and communication in patients with DoC but report a lack of validated tools. Practice often relies on individualized approaches and clinician-developed materials, with family involvement. These findings highlight the need for enhanced training and standardized, evidence-based instruments to strengthen SLT practices across the continuum of care.
https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.34741404.

PMID:
42956363
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 30 Oct 2026.

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