Speech therapy rehabilitation in an otorhinolaryngological patient against the Polish legal regulations

Introduction: The challenges of modern medicine go beyond merely effective diagnostics and therapy for extension of human life, but must also strive to improve its quality. The benefits of multidisciplinary cooperation in patient care are now unquestionable and result in the dissemination of such a trend among most medical fields. Clinical speech therapists are valuable partners for otorhinolaryngologists in the treatment of many diseases of the head and neck region. Aim: The aim of this article is to present the role of the speech therapist at an otorhinolaryngology ward, as well as to analyze the current legal regulations that constitute the basis for such cooperation. In accordance with the legal regulations currently in force in Poland, the position of a speech therapist at the otolaryngology department is financed for the rehabilitation of patients with cochlear implant and brain stem implants. Unfortunately, the role of a speech therapist in other diseases including voice, speech, hearing and swallowing disorders within otorhinolaryngology wards has not yet been sanctioned, hence many patients continue to be deprived of comprehensive pre- and postoperative care. Conclusion: Speech therapy rehabilitation in ENT departments, apart from patients with hearing loss, is particularly important for patients with organic lesions of the larynx undergoing intra-laryngeal surgery as well as open surgery procedures, patients with neurogenic voice and/or swallowing disorders or as a result of iatrogenic dysfunction. Such therapy includes diagnostic and information activities as well as exercises to improve functions. Speech therapists contribute substantially to the comprehensive care of patients both in the preoperative and postoperative periods.