Research priorities relating to communication and swallowing for people with learning disabilities across the lifespan

Chadd, K., Longhurst, L., Kulkarni, A., Simpson, J., Pagnamenta, E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4703-3163, Brettell, F., Money, D., Dowty, R., Wallinger, J., Bangera, S., Palmer, R. and Joffe, V. (2022) Research priorities relating to communication and swallowing for people with learning disabilities across the lifespan. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 27 (2). pp. 95-104. ISSN 1359-5474 doi: 10.1108/TLDR-06-2021-0018

Abstract/Summary

Purpose This research priority setting partnership (PSP) aims to collaboratively identify the “top ten” research priorities relating to communication and swallowing for children and adults with learning disabilities, across the lifespan in the UK, using a modified James Lind Alliance approach. Design/methodology/approach A steering group and reference group were established to oversee the PSP. A survey of speech and language therapists (SLTs) resulted in 157 research suggestions. These were further developed into 95 research questions through a multi-stakeholder workshop. Questions were prioritised via an online card-sort activity completed by SLTs, health-care or education professionals and carers. Research questions were analysed thematically. Ten adults with learning disabilities were supported to assign ratings to themes reflecting their prioritisation. The top ten research priorities were identified by combining results from these activities. Findings The top ten research priorities related to intervention, outcome measurement and service delivery around communication and dysphagia. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first UK-wide research PSP on learning disabilities and speech and language therapy across the lifespan. It uses a novel approach to incorporate the preferences of people with learning disabilities in the prioritisation.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/108752
Identification Number/DOI	10.1108/TLDR-06-2021-0018
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Clinical Language Sciences
Publisher	Emerald Insight
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