Speech-language cooperation protocol for the fiberoptic laryngoscopy evaluation of larynx mobility.
BACKGROUND
Voice protocol.


OBJECTIVE
To propose a protocol for the fiberoptic laryngoscopy evaluation of larynx mobility in thyroid illnesses (PAN), with the intention of having an objective, precise and consensual instrument for this assessment.


METHODS
The first version of the protocol was elaborated based on data found in the literature; the protocol was judged twice, using the triangulation method; a pilot version was presented and applied in 11 patients; it was then judged again by doctors and speech-language pathologists; based on the analysis of the judges and after the application of the pilot version, the final version of the PAN was proposed.


RESULTS
The final protocol was composed by two parts. The first part, considered a standard procedure, is composed by 4 essential items that necessarily should be evaluated: normal inspiration; forced inspiration; vowel /é/ isolated and sustained; and sharp vowel /i/, isolated and sustained. The second part, considered a speech-language complementation, is composed by items that should be understood as being important for speech-language pathologists as they are informative or predictive of the effectiveness of therapy: vowel /é/ sustained and weak; vowel /é/ sustained and sharp; vowel /é/ sustained and deep; vowel /é/ short with abrupt vocal onset.


CONCLUSIONS
The PAN, in its final version, contributes for the systematization of the assessment procedures based on evidence and on the agreement of professionals. The PAN results in the description of items to be obtained during medical and speech-language assessment during the fiberoptic laryngoscopy evaluation of larynx mobility in thyroid illnesses.
Departamento de Fisioterapia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo. priciocchi@hotmail.com
Priscila Esteves
PE
Ciocchi
Claudia Regina Furquim de
CR
Andrade
D000293:Adolescent; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D020704:Laryngoscopes; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007830:Larynx / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology; D014833:Voice Quality