@article{ref1,
title="Understanding performers' perspectives on access to care and support for voice injuries: a survey study",
journal="Journal of voice",
year="2024",
author="Murphy Estes, Christine and Flynn, Amanda and Clark, Christine M. and Born, Hayley and Sulica, Lucian",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Previous studies show that performers face higher risk of voice injury and experience greater impairment compared to nonperformers. Understanding the factors influencing support for performers is important for improving outcomes. <br><br>METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed to a target audience of performers with past voice injury, inquiring about their understanding of voice injury &quot;red flags,&quot; access to voice care support resources, treatment adherence, and comfort discussing injury with others. Responses were analyzed considering various clinicodemographic factors and aspects related to care and treatment. <br><br>RESULTS: The survey was completed by 151 performers with self-reported history of voice injury, representing multiple performance genres. Participants commonly sought help from a general otolaryngologist (52; 34.44%), laryngologist (41; 27.15%), or voice teacher (40; 26.49%) and treatments included voice therapy, rest, medication, and surgery, with a majority reporting high treatment adherence (129; 87.16%), a statistically significant factor in resolving symptoms. Those with partial or nonadherence cited financial/insurance barriers, scheduling/availability conflicts, or treatment dissatisfaction. Participants reported high awareness of voice injury &quot;red flags&quot; (mean 86.80; SD 18.87%), and moderate access to voice care tools/resources (mean 74.76; SD 29.1) and a voice team (mean 71.23; SD 36.52), but low support from management/production teams (mean 50.69; SD 37.23). Several expressed a desire for better education about preventive care (mean 70.06; SD 37.78). Comfort levels in discussing voice injuries varied across social contexts, but those working with voice teachers were more comfortable discussing their voice problems with colleagues and peers. <br><br>CONCLUSION: This study explores performers' perspectives on accessing care for voice injuries and emphasizes the importance of increased preventive education to address the ongoing stigma surrounding voice injuries and to foster a supportive environment for performers seeking help. Additionally, the study highlights the role of voice professionals in both providing and advocating for support systems for performers with voice injury.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0892-1997",
doi="10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.04.018",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.04.018"
}