Abstract

In 2004 that the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) released a position statement pertaining the roles of SLPs in swallowing and feeding disorders, specifically in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). In the NICU, one of the last criteria for discharge of the neonate is to demonstrate consistent and stable feeding. For NICU-based speech-language pathologists (SLP)s, a primary responsibility is treating the neonate’s ability to feed and swallow. Within this specialized setting over time, the role of the SLP has changed, but there is significant variation across locations and setting; with little formally documented regarding updated responsibilities. Therefore, this qualitative research project further investigated the role of a SLP in the NICU setting, their collaboration with other professionals, and their access to relevant continuing education opportunities. To explore this role, online surveys and interviews were conducted with NICU based SLPs with questions pertaining to their responsibilities, collaboration, notable changes within this specific setting, and continuing education opportunities. A qualitative analysis was conducted on the transcribed interviews to determine themes relevant to the research questions. Overall, themes that emerged included shift from volume-driven feeding to cue-based feeding approach, continuous education of the role of a SLP in the NICU to other members of the interdisciplinary team, and the need for more hands-on training within this setting.

Keywords

Interdisciplinary Collaboration, NICU, Responsibilities, Speech-Language Pathology

Document Type

Thesis

Year of Completion

2026

Major

Master of Arts

Advisor

Gabriella Reynolds

Academic Department

Speech-Language Pathology

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