Background

Debilitating speech and communication changes in Parkinson's disease (PD) lead to diminished quality of life for people with PD and their communication partners. Maintenance of the long-term effects of treatment such as LSVT LOUD® remains equivocal. Development of supported long-term maintenance programs is warranted.

Aims

This article describes the development and preliminary outcome data for PD Check-In, a supported self-management intervention for the maintenance of speech and social communication for people with PD following LSVT LOUD.

Methods & Procedures

A narrative literature review of the principles of self-management and social cognitive theory of self-regulation was conducted to develop the core elements of PD Check-In. PD Check-In was conducted in person by a speech and language therapist (SLT) for three participants at 6 and 12 weeks, and at 6, 12 and 24 months following LSVT LOUD. Outcome measures included vocal intensity (SPL) during monologue and the dysarthria impact profile (DIP). PD Check-In utilized semi-structured discussion to develop, evaluate, and support the self-efficacy and skill of the person with PD in maintaining speech and social communication.

Outcomes & Results

Six conceptual elements of PD Check-In were identified in the development phase: partnerships, self-reflection, maintenance issues, revision, goal-setting and maintenance strategies. Preliminary intervention data revealed monologue vocal intensity at 24 months post-LSVT LOUD was maintained above pre-treatment level, but below levels achieved post-treatment. The psychosocial impact of speech changes from pre-LSVT LOUD to 24 months post-treatment as measured by the DIP was variable. Qualitative statements reflected participant experiences underlying the clinical data.

Conclusions & Implications

The theoretical and practical underpinnings of PD Check-In were defined. The impact of PD Check-In on three persons with PD was variable but positive. Further evaluation of the model is warranted.

What this paper adds What is already known on the subject

LSVT LOUD provides efficacious treatment for the speech disorder associated with PD. Long-term maintenance of speech post-treatment varies following self-managed and group therapy interventions. People with PD have an unmet expectation of long-term maintenance of speech and improved quality of life following intensive treatment.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

This study describes the development of a novel clinic-based approach to long-term maintenance of speech in PD based on the principles of self-management and self-efficacy. It provides preliminary data to demonstrate the method and its effects on three participants with varying speech difficulty, self-management skill development and psychosocial impact.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

The positive impact of PD Check-In on the maintenance of monologue vocal intensity above baseline 24 months post-intensive treatment was independent of the variable impact on the quality of life of the participants. Further exploration of PD Check-In is warranted to determine the efficacy of this approach.