THE USE OF THE MAYO-CLINIC SYSTEM FOR DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS OF DYSARTHRIA

The purpose of this study was to determine clinicians' attitudes towar d the Darley, Aronson, and Brown (1969a,1969b; 1975a) method of classi fication for differential diagnosis of dysarthria. A national telephon e survey was conducted of 100 speech-language pathologists involved in the assessment and treatment of patients with dysarthria. Clinicians were questioned about their use of differential diagnosis as part of t heir service delivery to persons with dysarthria. Questions also focus ed on clinicians' perceptions of the helpfulness and difficulties of d ifferential diagnosis. Results indicated that most clinicians use the Darley et al. (1969a,1969b; 1975a) classification system for the diffe rential diagnosis of dysarthria, stating that it is helpful in the des ign of a treatment protocol. A trend toward decreased perceived diffic ulty of differential diagnosis with increased years of work experience was observed. The clinical and academic training implications of thes e findings are discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.