Speech Therapy in the Treatment of Globus Pharyngeus: Development of a Mobile Application to Improve Patient Access | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Ear, Nose, Throat and Allied Sciences | ||||
| Article 8, Volume 21, Issue 2, August 2020, Page 88-93 PDF (676.77 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejentas.2020.20538.1164 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Hisham Khalil  1; Abdulaziz Abushaala2; Marios Stavrakas2; Deborah Grech Marguerat3; Marianne Bos-Clark4; Robert Hart1; Arunangsu Chatterjee1
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| 1Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom | ||||
| 2Department of ENT surgery, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, United Kingdom, | ||||
| 3Department of ENT surgery, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, United Kingdom | ||||
| 4Department of Speech and Language Therapy, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Introduction: Globus pharyngeus is a well-known disorder accounting for 3-4% of ENT referrals. Various treatment strategies have been proposed for this condition, including speech and language therapy. The aim of this article is to highlight the evidence-based approach to the development of a mobile application to improve patient access to speech therapy as a treatment for globus pharyngeus. Patients and Methods: A literature search was performed to identify articles exploring the use of speech therapy as a management option for this disorder. A survey of speech and language therapists (SLT) in the UK to determine patient access to this treatment and their views on the development of a mobile application is also described. Results: Four studies were identified, including one randomised controlled study. All articles demonstrate a significant improvement in symptoms following the use of speech therapy. SLTs from 27 departments responded to the survey. The globus pharyngeus patient workload was variable and in excess of 1000 patients per year in some departments. Most respondents supported the development of a mobile application for speech therapy for use by globus pharyngeus patients. Conclusion: Speech therapy is an effective treatment for globus pharyngeus patients. Speech therapy is not available in all NHS Trusts in England and some SLT departments have a high workload. Alternative methods for the delivery of this effective treatment should be considered including the use of mobile applications. It is important to rule out the possibility of upper aerodigestive tract malignancy before referring a patient for speech therapy. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Globus hystericus; globus pharyngeus; lump in throat; mobile application; Speech therapy | ||||
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