MedicinePharmacotherapySpeech-language PathologyClinical MedicineEvidence-based PracticePulmonologyChronic CoughClinical TrialsCold ManagementCough ManagementRespiratory MedicineChronic Cough ManagementComparative Clinical TrialsRefractory Chronic Cough
<b>Introduction:</b> Chronic cough is notoriously difficult to treat, with up to 40% of cases remaining refractory to standard interventions. However, there is a growing body of evidence to support the use of speech and language therapy (SLT) in refractory chronic cough. <b>Objectives:</b> We carried out a retrospective analysis of our tertiary cough service data to determine if practices have changed to reflect the supportive evidence for SLT in refractory chronic cough management. <b>Methods:</b> To establish our utilisation of SLT over time, we compared our practice for all new patient consultations seen over 6 months (1st May to 31st October) in 2010, to the same period of time in 2014. All patients notes were reviewed for two years after their initial consultation. Diagnosis, treatment plans and outcomes were recorded. <b>Results:</b> There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients referred to SLT, and greater utilisation of our multi-professional tertiary services. Due to incomplete data we were unable to accurately assess treatment responses, but SLT was increasingly implemented after pharmacotherapy. <b>Conclusions:</b> There was a significant increase in demand for specialist SLT services, highlighting the importance of expanding and developing the SLT workforce in adult respiratory care. Therapeutic responses to SLT should be clearly documented using validated methods. Currently there is a lack of consistency of the application of non-pharmacological treatments in the management of refractory chronic cough.