A Qualitative Study on Voice Therapy for Professional Voice Users

Pyo, Hwa Young

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Commun Sci Disord. 2011;16(4): 437-448.

Hwa Young Pyo^`

표화영(Hwa Young Pyo)

ABSTRACT

Background & Objectives
The present study was performed to investigate and discuss how voice therapy experts help professional voice user patients using a qualitative study.
Method
The participants included five speech-language pathologists with clinical specialization in voice disorders for more than 12 years. The pathologists were interviewed individually on the topics of voice therapy for professional voice user patients, and each interview was transcribed by four graduate students majoring in speech and language pathology. The final coding book was prepared by the analysis of the final transcripts with the constant comparative method.
Results
Two themes and eight subthemes were derived from the analysis. Under the theme of intervention for professional voice user patients, five subthemes were considered, which included the onset of intervention, intervention strategies for professional voice users (narrow meaning) and for elite performers, keeping pace with work, and termination of therapy. Three subthemes were considered under the theme of advice for the young voice therapists which included professional and confident attitude, tailored therapy and psychological support.
Discussion & Conclusion
The present paper summarizes and discusses the voice therapy experts’ opinions and advice as well as their implications on voice therapy for professional voice users.