Introduction to Advances in Communication and Swallowing Volume 26, Issue 2

Welcome to Volume 26 Issue 2 of Advances in Communication and Swallowing. In this issue, a wide variety of topics pertaining to communication and swallowing are represented. The range of good quality study designs in this issue makes for joyful reading! In the first paper by Byrne and Connery, the perspectives of adults who stutter on therapeutic alliance are evaluated. In this qualitative study, the value of patient-based evidence in understanding therapeutic alliance is highlighted. Next, O’Leary et al. examine the relatively novel topic of trauma informed care (TIC) into speech and language therapy practice and make recommendations regarding how to integrate TIC into clinical practice. The need for trauma informed care is eloquently justified within the profession of speech and language therapy.

Kenny provides a succinct Spotlight review of the impact of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) on voice and swallowing. This paper is of much clinical value to multidisciplinary team members as it outlines evidence-based evaluation and management of LPR and it identifies priorities for future research. Gilheaney et al. determined the prevalence and nature of communication and swallowing difficulties amongst adults with long-COVID. In this cross-sectional study, the vast majority of respondents reported moderate communication and swallowing difficulties, highlighting the need for SLT staffing in community-based long-COVID services.

In a systematic narrative review, Brady et al. investigated measurement and reporting of function and quality of life outcomes in patients receiving surgical and non-surgical treatment for oro-pharyngeal cancer in previously irradiated fields. They conclude that core outcome sets are required to inform future clinical services and clinical trial designs. Finally, in a cross-sectional survey by Dunton et al., use of tracheostoma humidification by people with total laryngectomy in England and Wales was studied. Valuable findings on factors associated with tracheostoma humidification use were established which is of great relevance to clinical practice.

We hope our readers will enjoy the contents within Volume 26 Issue 2. Please look out for details of upcoming Advances in Communication and Swallowing online events and for our inaugural special issue on Aphasia and Technology. We are also very pleased to publish submitted abstracts from the upcoming IASLT Conference in December 2023. As the journal evolves, our goal remains the same – to showcase research across disciplines and countries within the fields of communication and swallowing. Please support us by submitting your work and promoting the journal to interdisciplinary colleagues.

Julie Regan

Irene P. Walsh

Co-Editors-in-Chief

November 2023