Management of Pediatric Voice Disorders: Perceived Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Patterns Among Otolaryngologists in Southwest China

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns of otolaryngologists in Southwest China in managing pediatric dysphonia. Study design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: An online survey was disseminated between August and September 2023 to hospital-based otolaryngologists in Southwest China. Methods: The survey nominated 10 topics within pediatric dysphonia and asked the participants to rate their knowledge and confidence for 10 topics. The attitude toward the importance of managing pediatric dysphonia and its practice patterns for the disorder were also asked. Results: A total of 334 responses were received. The results showed that otolaryngologists in Southwest China did not receive complete coverage of specific topics within pediatric dysphonia during their specialist training. Their self-rated knowledge sufficiency and confidence for the same topics were relatively neutral, indicating neither negative nor positive self-perceptions of competency. The majority of respondents held the attitude that managing pediatric dysphonia is important, and nominated specific topics within this field for continuing professional education. Common facilitators of practice were clinical skills and knowledge of pediatric dysphonia, and common barriers were the lack of professional guidelines and qualified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Southwest China. Conclusion: Otolaryngologists in Southwest China do not receive sufficient training for the management of pediatric dysphonia, however, they perceive this field as important and seek further training from continuing education programs. The findings identified knowledge and training that should be targeted in official training and professional development courses for otolaryngologists who manage pediatric dysphonia without the support of SLPs.