The role of Speech and Language therapist (SLT) on ICU encompasses assessment, rehabilitation and advice in the key areas of communication, swallowing and tracheostomy weaning.
The aim is to provide rehabilitation in these areas of need in order to support patients throughout their recovery journey.
After being in ICU, your voice may sound different and ‘rough’ and may not be as powerful as before. This is commonly called dysphonia and it can be very common, especially if you have been intubated. During intubation, the tube goes through your vocal cords, within your windpipe. This can cause an inflammation or a thickening of the healthy mucous that normally coats the vocal chords.
A further common side effect of intubation is dysphagia, which is the medical term used to describe difficulties with eating, drinking and swallowing. These difficulties may result in aspiration, which often leads to chest infection.
It is very important that, once the tube has been removed from your throat (extubation), you pass a swallowing test, before starting eating and drinking.
If you have had a prolonged stay in ICU, you may have undergone a tracheostomy procedure. A tracheostomy tube replaces the tube in your mouth and allows a gradual wean from mechanical ventilation. The consequences of this procedure may be laryngeal complications, impaired voice quality, skin problems related to the scar that gets formed after removal of the tracheostomy.
Usually, these symptoms will get better in time however, if needed, the RaCi team will be able to link you in with the Ear, Nose and Throat or SLT team to guide you with further support.