International Journal of Health Sciences

Speech-Language Pathology and Music Therapy Caregiver Training and Caregiver Levels of Stress: An Interprofessional Pilot Study
Corey H. Cassidy, Ph.D.; Patricia Winter, Ph.D.

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to present an interprofessional caregiver training program and its impact on caregiver stress levels. Nine caregivers, all with young children with speech-language disorders, were invited to participate in a support and training program developed by a speech-language pathologist and a music therapist that focused on speech-language developmental expectations and communication facilitation strategies. The experimental group (n=4) participated in four weekly training sessions offered concurrent to their children’s intervention. The control group (n=9) participated in a single training session that was offered at the end of their children’s intervention. Participants completed measures to assess pre-post levels of stress. The measures were compared within and between the groups to evaluate the potential impact of the training on stress. The experimental group demonstrated significant change in stress between the beginning and end of the program. There was also a significant difference in change in caregiver levels of stress between the two groups, suggesting that participation in weekly training sessions contributed to a decrease in stress levels. This pilot study provides feasibility regarding the effectiveness of an interprofessional training program on stress levels of caregivers with young children with speech-language disorders.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v4n1a2