Dysarthria Assessment Across Spain: A Survey Study of Tools, Practices, and Needs

Abstract

Introduction: Dysarthria, a motor speech disorder that has a significant impact on communication, requires precise assessment for accurate diagnosis and intervention. Although internationally recognised assessment tools exist, many are not culturally or linguistically adapted for Spanish-speaking populations. The objective of this study was to investigate how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Spain navigate the lack of appropriate dysarthria assessment tools and identify the additional resources and tools required to enhance evaluation practices. Method: This cross-sectional study surveyed 73 licensed SLPs in Spain using a 36-question online questionnaire, collecting data on a broad spectrum of topics, such as clinical experience, dysarthria assessment tools, tasks, and bilingual/multilingual practices. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to identify and highlight the key trends. Results: The findings revealed that participants commonly relied on informal tools for dysarthria assessment, with frequent use of linguistically dependent tasks, such as word repetition, loud reading, and sentence repetition, in addition to orofacial motricity. Participants also reported low use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and showed confusion regarding the validation status of the tools they used. Additionally, many expressed dissatisfaction with the current tools, highlighting the lack of comprehensive and culturally adapted instruments. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for validated, standardised, culturally and linguistically adapted tools for dysarthria assessment in Spain. The reliance on informal assessments and the combination of multiple tools highlights gaps in current resources. Future efforts should focus on developing comprehensive, adaptable tools that address the full range of dysarthria symptoms and raise awareness about the importance of tool validation to ensure consistent and effective care for Spain's diverse population. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Effective dysarthria assessment requires precise, standardised tools to inform diagnosis and intervention. While different tools are available internationally, they are mostly in English, with a few culturally adapted versions. This study was needed to address the lack of adapted tools for Spanish-speaking clinicians, as this gap may affect diagnostic accuracy in Spain. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge Our study reveals that Spanish SLPs predominantly rely on informal tools to assess dysarthria due to the absence of culturally and linguistically adapted standardised instruments. This study provides detailed insights into the challenges SLPs face in Spain, the tools they currently use, and their perspectives on necessary resources to improve dysarthria assessment practices. What are the potential or actual clinical implications for this work? These findings underscore the need for developing culturally and linguistically validated dysarthria assessment tools for Spanish-speaking SLPs, which would support more consistent and accurate diagnoses, ultimately benefiting patients' clinical outcomes across Spain.Introduction: Dysarthria, a motor speech disorder that has a significant impact on communication, requires precise assessment for accurate diagnosis and intervention. Although internationally recognised assessment tools exist, many are not culturally or linguistically adapted for Spanish-speaking populations. The objective of this study was to investigate how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Spain navigate the lack of appropriate dysarthria assessment tools and identify the additional resources and tools required to enhance evaluation practices. Method: This cross-sectional study surveyed 73 licensed SLPs in Spain using a 36-question online questionnaire, collecting data on a broad spectrum of topics, such as clinical experience, dysarthria assessment tools, tasks, and bilingual/multilingual practices. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to identify and highlight the key trends. Results: The findings revealed that participants commonly relied on informal tools for dysarthria assessment, with frequent use of linguistically dependent tasks, such as word repetition, loud reading, and sentence repetition, in addition to orofacial motricity. Participants also reported low use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and showed confusion regarding the validation status of the tools they used. Additionally, many expressed dissatisfaction with the current tools, highlighting the lack of comprehensive and culturally adapted instruments. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for validated, standardised, culturally and linguistically adapted tools for dysarthria assessment in Spain. The reliance on informal assessments and the combination of multiple tools highlights gaps in current resources. Future efforts should focus on developing comprehensive, adaptable tools that address the full range of dysarthria symptoms and raise awareness about the importance of tool validation to ensure consistent and effective care for Spain's diverse population. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Effective dysarthria assessment requires precise, standardised tools to inform diagnosis and intervention. While different tools are available internationally, they are mostly in English, with a few culturally adapted versions. This study was needed to address the lack of adapted tools for Spanish-speaking clinicians, as this gap may affect diagnostic accuracy in Spain. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge Our study reveals that Spanish SLPs predominantly rely on informal tools to assess dysarthria due to the absence of culturally and linguistically adapted standardised instruments. This study provides detailed insights into the challenges SLPs face in Spain, the tools they currently use, and their perspectives on necessary resources to improve dysarthria assessment practices. What are the potential or actual clinical implications for this work? These findings underscore the need for developing culturally and linguistically validated dysarthria assessment tools for Spanish-speaking SLPs, which would support more consistent and accurate diagnoses, ultimately benefiting patients' clinical outcomes across Spain.