Psychological impact of COVID‐19 on speech and language therapists working with adult dysphagia: A national survey

BACKGROUND: Speech and language therapists (SLTs) working with dysphagia have had to radically alter diagnostic and rehabilitation services during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, hereafter referred to as coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Given the aerosol‐generating procedures inherent in swallow assessment and interventions, these SLTs have also been particularly susceptible to virus exposure. AIMS: To investigate the psychological impact of COVID‐19 on SLTs working with adult dysphagia across the Republic of Ireland and to identify the personal and professional factors associated with depression, anxiety, stress and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To explore SLT perspectives regarding their experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic. METHODS & PROCEDURES: A cross‐sectional 34‐item online survey was developed and piloted. The survey collected demographic details and professional factors and it incorporated the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale—21 (DASS‐21) and the Impact of Event Scale—Revised (IES‐R). The survey also sought SLT perspectives regarding their experiences during the pandemic. It was distributed to Irish SLT managers, the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IASLT) and the Irish Dysphagia Special Interest Group (SIG) for dissemination. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: A total of 94 SLTs working with adults with dysphagia across Ireland responded. In total, 60% of respondents screened positive for depression, anxiety, stress and/or PTSD. Based on the DASS‐21, 38% screened positive for depression (mean score = 8.0; SD = 6.3), 36% screened positive for anxiety (mean score = 6.5; SD = 6.0), and 49% screened positive for stress (mean score = 15.4; SD = 6.9). A total of 26% of respondents screened positive for PTSD (mean IES‐R total score = 22.6; SD = 16.0). Factors associated with depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD were young age (p = 0.002), limited clinical experience (p = 0.01) and not living with children (p = 0.02). A thematic analysis of SLT perspectives identified four main themes: ‘fear of COVID‐19 infection and transmission’, ‘uncertainty regarding policies and procedures’, ‘changes in SLT roles and responsibilities’ and ‘increased workload’. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: This study highlights the psychological impact of COVID‐19 on SLTs working with adults with dysphagia in Ireland and identifies SLTs who are at risk of depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Findings may assist employers to identify staff who require psychological support and long‐term follow‐up during this pandemic and any future health emergencies. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT: Depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD are prevalent among nurses and other healthcare professionals internationally as a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated factors have been identified in previous research. Despite this, no research has been conducted to establish the psychological impact of the first surge of COVID‐19 on SLTs working with dysphagia in relation to depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD and the associated factors. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE: A total of 60% of SLTs working with adults with dysphagia in this survey presented with depression, anxiety, stress and/or PTSD. Associated personal and professional factors amongst respondents included young age, limited clinical experience and not living with children. The perspectives of SLTs on their experiences during the first surge of COVID‐19 are also explored. WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL OR ACTUAL CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WORK? The findings from this study may assist SLT managers to identify SLTs who are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD to ensure appropriate support can be provided.