Translating Technology Into Speech-Language Pathology Practice: Qualitative Interviews Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a Case Study.
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Date
2025
Authors
Williams, E.E.R.
Hordacre, B.
Rogasch, N.C.
Goldsworthy, M.
Attrill, S.
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International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 2025; 60(3):e70041-1-e70041-15
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Ellen E. R. Williams, Brenton Hordacre, Nigel C. Rogasch, Mitchell Goldsworthy, Stacie Attrill
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Abstract
Background: Technologies such as videofluoroscopy, therapy applications, and telehealth have been translated into the clinical toolkit of many speech–language pathologists (SLPs). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an emerging technology that shows therapeutic promise for communication and swallowing disorders and, once suitable for clinical use, SLPs will likely be responsible for delivering this treatment. As such, it is critical that SLP opinions and attitudes towards TMS, as well as broader translation issues facing the profession, are considered early in the TMS research and translation process. Aims: (1) To explore in-depth the determinants of SLP behaviour that could influence translation of TMS into speech–language pathology practice; and (2) to examine these behavioural determinants within the context of profession-wide research-to-practice gaps. Methods and Procedures: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 SLPs, who were classified into novice, intermediate, or expert TMS knowledge/experience levels. Reflexive thematic analysis conventions were used to inductively and deductively code interview data. The refined Theoretical Domains Framework (rTDF) informed study design, analysis, interpretation, and reporting, and served as a theoretical lens through which recommendations were developed. Outcomes and Results: Four main themes were derived from interview data, representing four overarching determinants of SLP behaviour: actual knowledge/experience; perceptions of professional role and capabilities; optimism/pessimism mindset and emotions; and environmental factors. Results within each theme were categorised as TMS-specific (aim 1) or profession-wide (aim 2). Conclusions and Implications: Many TMS-specific behavioural determinants could impact the translation of TMS into speech– language pathology, however these exist against the backdrop of larger, profession-wide translation issues. A taxonomy of nine recommendations for bridging technology translation gaps in speech–language pathology is provided, with a view to facilitating future implementation of TMS and other technologies.
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© 2025 The Author(s). International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.