64 research outputs found
Workplace Productivity and Voice Disorders: A Cognitive Interviewing Study on Presenteeism in Individuals with Spasmodic Dysphonia
Objective: The objective of this study was to obtain initial reactions and suggested modifications to two existing presenteeism scales: the Stanford Presenteeism Scale 6 (SPS-6) and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-Specific Health Problem (WPAI-SHP) among a cohort of employed individuals with a focal laryngeal dystonia, spasmodic dysphonia (SD).
Study design- The study design is a qualitative study.
Methods: Nine speakers with SD underwent cognitive interviews, during which they were asked to evaluate the relevance of statements and clarity of wording on the SPS-6, the WPAI-SHP, and an additional set of voice-related statements designed by the researchers. Participants were asked to complete the scales, rank order statements in terms of perceived importance, and suggest additional statements of relevance.
Results- Although all participants noted that their SD did have an effect on their jobs, there were suggestions for modifying both the WPAI-SHP and the SPS-6. Participants regarded specific voice-related statements that were generated by the researchers to be of greater importance than the majority of the statements on the SPS-6. Minor changes in the wording of the instructions on the WPAI-SHP were recommended.
Conclusions: Presenteeism is an important construct to measure in individuals with a chronic voice disorder such as SD. However, existing presenteeism scales might best be administered in conjunction with additional statements that are more voice related so that clinicians can be made aware of specific difficulties encountered in the workplace
Impact of Voice Disorders on Workplace Productivity: Interviews with Individuals with Spasmodic Dysphonia
Visitor Management in World Heritage Sites: Does overtourism-driven traffic management affect tourist targets, behavior and satisfaction? The case of the Dolomites UNESCO WHS (Italy)
Employer Detection of Spasmodic Dysphonia Across Varying Severity Levels
Objective: To determine the ability of human resources personnel (HRP) with experience in phone interviews to detect the presence or absence of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) in potential applicants via auditory stimuli alone.
Methods/Design: Thirty HRP were exposed to a brief definition of ADSD. They subsequently performed an auditory-perceptual task in which they were asked to detect the presence of the voice disorder in 20 speakers with ADSD and 20 age- and gender-matched controls. ADSD samples were categorized a priori as perceptually within normal limits (WNL) to mild, moderate, or severe. Frequency counts and percentages were calculated for each speaker that was correctly and incorrectly identified as having ADSD. Mean accuracy ratings, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) also were determined. Accuracy scores were grouped according to severity for ADSD speakers.
Results:On average, listeners were 78.83% accurate in discriminating ADSD speakers, and 90.17% in discriminating controls. Based on group averages, 16 speakers with ADSD were correctly identified as having ADSD, and 4 were incorrectly identified as control speakers (sensitivity = 0.80 or 80%). Based on group averages, 20 out of 20 control speakers were correctly identified as not having a voice disorder(specificity = 1.0 or 100%).HRP were accurate at determining ADSD from 87%-100% of the time for perceptually severe ADSD speakers. In moderate cases, accuracy fell between 77%-100%, and dropped between 10% to 87% accurate for mild speakers. Differences related to severity were statistically significant.
Conclusions: Results suggest that job applicants with more severe forms of ADSD may not be able to escape detection during phone interviews. However, those with mild symptoms may not be identified as having voice disorders
The ADA and Voice Disorders: Exploring Workplace Productivity Issues in Individuals with Spasmodic Dysphonia
This seminar provides an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act as applied to individuals with voice disorders. Workplace productivity is examined using a concept known as presenteeism. Preliminary interviews with individuals with spasmodic dysphonia reveal whether existing scales that measure presenteeism might be useful for those with voice disorders
The ADA and Voice Disorders: Exploring Workplace Productivity Issues in Individuals with Spasmodic Dysphonia
This seminar provides an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act as applied to individuals with voice disorders. Workplace productivity is examined using a concept known as presenteeism. Preliminary interviews with individuals with spasmodic dysphonia reveal whether existing scales that measure presenteeism might be useful for those with voice disorders
The Americans with Disabilities Act and Voice Disorders: Practical Guidelines for Voice Clinicians
OBJECTIVE: The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) resulted in changes to the legal definition of disability and substantially affected how those with voice disorders may qualify for reasonable accommodations under the law. However, there has been little guidance and a lack of awareness about these changes within the voice literature. This article examines the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the changes made in 2008 (ADAAA), and how the law applies to individuals with voice disorders.
STUDY DESIGN: This is a review article.
METHODS: The ADA and ADAAA are summarized with a particular focus on individuals with voice disorders. Types of reasonable accommodations within the workplace are suggested, and online resources are provided which outline the disclosure and accommodation process. Practical examples are used to provide guidance for clinicians who may be involved in counseling this clinical population.
RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Many individuals with voice disorders may not realize that their conditions can be classified as disabilities under the law, entitling them to workplace accommodations and time off to pursue medical treatment. However, disclosure laws such as the right to refrain from mentioning a disability during a job interview may not be protective of individuals with severe voice impairments, as symptoms are often difficult to conceal. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed
- …