Voice Disorders Related to Work: activities developed by speech therapists in Workers’ Health Reference Centers (CEREST)

Abstract Introduction: the work-related voice disorder (WRVD) protocol publication reinforced the Reference Centers for Occupational Health (CEREST) role in this disorder care. Objective: to describe speech therapist activities developed at CEREST according to the assistance it provides and factors associated with voice disorders. Methods: descriptive study with data obtained from CEREST coordinators in Brazil, contacted via e-mail to answer a semi-structured questionnaire, developed using an online form tool. Data were collected from 2017 April until 2018 February. Results: of the 195 coordinators contacted, 93 (44.2%) answered the questionnaire. Of these, 39 reported receiving speech therapists. Among these, 26 CEREST worked with voice disorders, giving lectures, guidance, and visits to the workplace. The professionals who often received greater attention were teachers (n=24), telemarketers (n=16), and radio announcers (n=15). Of the factors we found to cause voice disorders, those related to work environment stood out (n=24). Conclusion: speech therapists were present in less than half of all CEREST. Compared with a previous survey, we found that the speech therapists’ participation has become more present in CEREST, especially caring with WRVD.