Differences in temporal variables between voice therapy completers and dropouts.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine temporal variables thought to be associated with voice therapy completion.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of 197 cases (120 dropouts and 77 completers) seen at two voice centers.

METHODS

Cases included males and females aged 15-90 years presenting with a chief complaint of dysphonia who were referred by an otolaryngologist to a speech-language pathologist for voice therapy. Cases were analyzed from the date of physician referral through the final therapy session. The dependent variable was completion of voice therapy. Independent variables included selected temporal variables related to the timing, frequency, and duration of voice therapy. A binary logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between the dependent variable and the temporal variables. Differences between groups were assessed with independent t tests and post hoc analysis.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between groups for the number of sessions attended and the wait time between otolaryngology referral and speech-language pathology evaluation, which were also the strongest predictors of therapy completion.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a strong relationship found between selected temporal variables and therapy completion. Future research directions will examine methods to use these findings to effect a reduction in voice therapy dropout.