Laurie Slovarp
Professor; PhD Program Director
Contact
- Office
- Curry 031
- Phone
- (406) 243-2107
- Fax
- (406) 243-2362
- laurie.slovarp@umontana.edu
- Office Hours
by appointment by email.
Laurie J. Slovarp, PhD, CCC-SLP is a Professor in the School of Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. Dr. Slovarp received a Master’s of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Arizona State University in 2000 and a PhD in Independent Interdisciplinary studies at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in August 2015. Following attainment of her M.S. degree, she worked in hospital, outpatient rehabilitation, home health, skilled nursing and university settings for 10 years. She joined the CSD faculty at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in 2010.
Dr. Slovarp is a swallowing, voice, and upper airway specialist with specialty training in fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videostroboscopy. She is the director of the . She has published several peer-reviewed research papers and presented at multiple state and national conferences. Her current research is focused on improving care for patients with chronic cough due to cough hypersensitivity syndrome (CHS). Her research agenda focuses on the following long-term objectives:
- Improve efficacy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of care of patients with chronic cough due CHS.
- Develop new and innovative assessment and treatment strategies that target gaps and inadequacies in current management techniques and models for patients with CHS.
- Understand the underlying mechanisms involved in cough hypersensitivity and behavioural cough treatment.
Dr. Slovarp’s research has been supported through the and the under grants from the . She has also been awarded funding through the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Small Grant Program and the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
- Website
- Curriculum Vitae
Education
Idaho State University: Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Arizona State University: Master of Science, Speech and Hearing Sciences
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥: Doctor of Philosophy, Independent Interdsciplinary Studies
Courses Taught
Motor Speech Disorders (graduate), UM, fall 2023
Clinical Practicum (graduate), UM, every semester since spring 2010
Voice, Motor Speech, and Resonance Disorders (graduate), UM, fall semesters 2015-2021
Swallowing Disorders (graduate), UM, spring semesters since 2010-2019, 2021
Voice and Motor Speech Disorders (graduate), UM, fall semesters 2011 – 2014
Neuroanatomy and Physiology (undergraduate), UM, Spr 2011, Su 2012, Su 2014, Spr 2016, Su 2016, Su 2017, Su 2018, Spr 2019, Su 2019, Spr 2020
Neurocognitive Communication Disorders in Adults (graduate), UM, F 2010
Aphasia and Related Neurogenic Language Disorders (graduate), ASU, F 2004
Acquired Speech and Language Disorders (undergraduate/graduate), ASU, Spr 2005
Disorders of Voice (graduate), ASU, Su 2002
Teaching Experience
CSD 640 – Swallowing Disorders, UM, Spr 2012, Spr 2013, Spr 2014, Spr 2015, Spr 2016, Spr 2017, Spr 2018, Spr 2019
CSD 530 – Voice and Motor Speech Disorders, UM, F 2011, F 2012, F 2013, F 2014, F 2015, F 2016, F 2017, F 2018
CSD 411 – Neuroanatomy and Physiology, UM, Spr 2011, Su 2012, Su 2014, Spr 2016, Su 2016, Su 2017, Su 2018, Spr 2019
CSD 530 – Voice Disorders, UM, Spr 2010, Spr 2011
CSD 565 – Neurocognitive Communication Disorders in Adults, UM, F 2010
CSD 640 – Swallowing and Motor Speech Disorders, UM, F 2010
SHS 575 – Aphasia and Related Neurogenic Language Disorders, ASU, F 2004
SHS 485/598 – Acquired Speech and Language Disorders, ASU, Spr 2005
SHS 578 – Disorders of Voice, ASU, Su 2002
Research Interests
Dr. Slovarp's primary research interests are translational research in the area of chronic cough and related upper airway disorders.
Projects
Mentored Theses Projects
- Desensitization treatment with capsaicin for refractory chronic cough. Ongoing with Emma Bozarth
- Factors that differentiate the success of medical versus behavioral intervention for patients with chronic cough. Defended by Bridget Walsh Spring 2016.
- Dysphagia treatment planning: Assessing clinician’s treatment recommendations based on modified barium swallow study reports. Defended by Jennifer Danielson Summer 2012
- Prophylactic-dysphagia intervention for patients with head and neck cancer receiving chemoradiation therapy. Defended by Shanna Stack Spring 2013
- The effect of clinician-related variables on decision-making in dysphagia practice. Defended by Melissa Murphy Spring 2014
Contributions to Science
1. My research agenda is centered on understanding underlying mechanisms involved in response to behavioral cough suppression (BCS) therapy in order to improve effectiveness and utilization of this treatment. BCS therapy involves multiple components – vocal hygiene, psychoeducational counseling, and cough suppression, making it challenging to know the contribution of each component. Anecdotal evidence, specifically the observation that individuals who are not able to successfully suppress their cough find minimal benefit from the treatment, suggests cough suppression is the crux of the treatment. This lead me to conceptualize a BCS treatment that would include a controllable cough stimulant (e.g., capsaicin), which could be given repeatedly, and increased incrementally in the clinic while the patient is coached to suppress cough (i.e., BCS+CAP in the current proposal). In a proof-of-concept study on healthy volunteers, we showed cough-reflex sensitivity can be modified with this type of treatment model. Subsequently, we secured NIH funding through Montana IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) and conducted two pilot randomized clinical trials on BCS+CAP. The first pilot study exclusively involved patients with RCC who had previously failed medical management and traditional BCS therapy. This initial trial consisted of six sessions delivered twice per week but was prematurely halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a limited sample size that constrained our conclusions. Nevertheless, the data gleaned from this study provided further confirmation of our proof-of-concept and the feasibility of our approach, suggesting that patients could likely benefit from a longer treatment course. The second sham-controlled randomized pilot study, also under my leadership, followed the same design and treatment model but extended the intervention to 12 sessions instead of six. This treatment dose yielded more significant improvements across all measures. Notably, the mean change in Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) scores increased from 2.96 following six sessions in the first pilot to a remarkable 6.35 following 12 sessions in the second pilot. Furthermore, our findings presented moderate to strong evidence in favor of greater improvement in the BCS+CAP group, particularly in total LCQ (p=.058), the LCQ Psychological domain (p=.026), and LCQ Physical domain (p=.045) scores. We also observed robust evidence for a substantial reduction in the urge-to-cough during cough sensitivity testing in the BCS+CAP group (p=.037), with marginal evidence indicating a decrease in cough sensitivity (p=.094).
Slovarp, L., Reynolds, J., Tolbert, S., Campbell, S., Welby, S., Morkrid, P. (2023). Cough Desensitization Treatment for Patients with Refractory Chronic Cough: Results of a Second Pilot Randomized Control Trial. BMC Pulmonary Medicine. 23, 148. PMCID: PMC10141869
Slovarp, L., Reynolds, J., Bozarth-Dailey, E., Popp, S., Campbell, S., Morkrid, P. (2022). Cough Desensitization Treatment: A randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial for patients with refractory chronic cough. Respiratory Medicine. 193. PMCID: PMC8881373.
Slovarp, L., Bozarth, E. (2019). Altering cough reflex sensitivity with aerosolized capsaicin paired with behavioral cough suppression: A proof-of-concept study. Annals of Translational Medicine. PMCID: PMC6351373.
2. In 2016, I surveyed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) across the country who regularly treat RCC with BCS therapy. I asked questions about referral patterns, cough duration, treatment success, and patient frustration level. I found that patients with RCC typically wait well over a year before being referred for BCS therapy and most are significantly frustrated about the treatment process, particularly those whose cough resolves with BCS therapy within a few weeks. This study supported the need to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness of care for patients with RCC. To that end, I secured funding from the Mountain West Clinical Translational Infrastructure Network (MW-CTRIN) to create a valid screening tool for physicians to use to identify candidates for BCS therapy. I assembled a team of experts and created a bank of potential screening questions. We then surveyed patients with RCC from numerous clinics around the country who regularly treated patients with BCS therapy. A Gradient Boosting Machine was used to narrow down the 38-item questionnaire to 15 items. We recently analyzed the data collected on the 15-item questionnaire with the aim of creating a model that would predict whether or not a patient with RCC was likely to benefit from BCS therapy based on responses to the 15 questions. Although we were able to develop a model that performed well on the test data set, when the model was extended to a withheld sub-sample, it was no more helpful for predicting BCS therapy response than simply predicting every patient would improve from BCS therapy. This was likely because over 80% of participants in the study showed a clinically relevant improvement with BCS therapy. While this was a disappointing finding, it suggests a majority of patients with RCC can benefit from BCS therapy, providing further support for it as an efficacious treatment option.
Slovarp, L., Jette, M., Gillespie, A., Reynolds, J., Barkmeier-Kraemer, J. (2021). Evaluation and management outcomes and burdens in patients with refractory chronic cough referred for behavioral cough suppression therapy. Lung. 199, 263-271. PMCID: PMC8203529
Slovarp, L., Loomis, B., Glaspey, A. (2018). Assessing need and feasibility of a behavioral cough suppression therapy screening tool. Chronic Respiratory Diseases. 15(3), 296-305. PMCID: PMC6100168
3. I served as PI on a project aimed to determine normative values of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) in healthy individuals. The LCQ is a commonly used patient-report measure that assesses the impact of chronic cough on quality of life but the distribution of score on individuals without abnormal cough was unknown.
Reynolds, J., Jetté, M., Wright, M., Sundar, K., Gillespie, A., & Slovarp, L. (2022). Normative Values for the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in Healthy Individuals. The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology. DOI: 10.1177/00034894221112517. PMID: 35833581
4. Dr. Jane Reynolds and I are actively researching alternative treatment modalities for BCS therapy in order to improve access of care. We have completed a pilot trial of an internet-based BCS therapy (manuscript in preparation), are currently running a telehealth group BCS therapy study, and are collaborating with Hyfe, Inc. to create the first BCS therapy digital therapeutic
Complete List of Published Work in MyBibliography:
Selected Publications
**Slovarp, L. Sandage, M. (in press). Upper Airway: Cough and ILO/EILO/PVFM. In Hapner, E., Timmons Sund, L. (Eds.), Voice Clinical Case Studies (6th ed.) Plural.
Wright, M., Slovarp, L., Reynolds, J., Roy, N., Okifuji, A.., Sundar, K., Barkmeier-Kraemer, J. (2024). Prevalence of anxiety as a variable in treatment outcomes for individuals with chronic refractory cough. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.
Slovarp, L., Reynolds, J., Tolbert, S., Campbell, S., Morkrid, P. (2023). Cough desensitization treatment for refractory chronic cough: Results of a second pilot randomized control trial. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 23, 148.
Sundholm, N., Sandeep, S., Wright, M., Reynolds, J., Slovarp, L., Gillespie, A. (2022).
Effect of behavioral cough suppression therapy delivered via telehealth. Journal of Voice.
Reynolds, J., Jette, M., Wright, M., Sundar, K., Gillespie, A., Slovarp, L. (2022). Normative
values for the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in healthy individuals. Anals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 1-4.
/10.1177/000348942211125
Slovarp, L., Reynolds, J., Bozarth-Dailey, E., Popp, S., Campbell, S., Morkrid, P. (2022).
Cough Desensitization Treatment: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Pilot Trial for Patients with Refractory Chronic Cough. Respiratory Medicine. 193.
Slovarp, L., Jette, M., Gillespie, A., Reynolds, J., Barkmeier-Kraemer, J. (2021). Evaluation
and management outcomes and burdens in patients with refractory chronic cough referred for behavioral cough suppression therapy. Lung, 199, 263-271.
Shivani, P., Slovarp, L., Clary, M., Jette, M. (2020). Laryngeal Chemoreflex in Health and Disease: A Review. Chemical Senses.
Publications
*Denotes projects involving Ñý¼§Ö±²¥.
Slovarp, L. Jette, M., Reynolds, J., Gillespie, A., Barkmeier-Kraemer, J., Sandage, M. Smith, J., Haines, J., Vertigan, A., Mazzone, S. (2024). Misconceptions on Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy for Pediatric Nonspecific Cough: A Response to Weinberger and Buettner’s Commentary on Fujiki et al. Pediatric Pulmonology.
**Slovarp, L. Sandage, M. (in press). Upper Airway: Cough and ILO/EILO/PVFM. In Hapner, E., Timmons Sund, L. (Eds.), Voice Clinical Case Studies (6th ed.) Plural.
Wright, M., Slovarp, L., Reynolds, J., Roy, N., Okifuji, A.., Sundar, K., Barkmeier-Kraemer, J. (2024). Prevalence of anxiety as a variable in treatment outcomes for individuals with chronic refractory cough. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.
**Slovarp, L. (2023, May). Refractory chronic cough: Background and treatment strategies. Voice Foundation Newsletter, pp. 8-11.
Slovarp, L., Reynolds, J., Tolbert, S., Campbell, S., Morkrid, P. (2023). Cough desensitization treatment for refractory chronic cough: Results of a second pilot randomized control trial. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 23, 148.
Sundholm, N., Sandeep, S., Wright, M., Reynolds, J., Slovarp, L., Gillespie, A. (2022).
Effect of behavioral cough suppression therapy delivered via telehealth. Journal of Voice.
Reynolds, J., Jette, M., Wright, M., Sundar, K., Gillespie, A., Slovarp, L. (2022). Normative
values for the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in healthy individuals. Anals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology, 1-4.
/10.1177/000348942211125
Slovarp, L., Reynolds, J., Bozarth-Dailey, E., Popp, S., Campbell, S., Morkrid, P. (2022).
Cough Desensitization Treatment: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Pilot Trial for Patients with Refractory Chronic Cough. Respiratory Medicine. 193.
Slovarp, L., Jette, M., Gillespie, A., Reynolds, J., Barkmeier-Kraemer, J. (2021). Evaluation
and management outcomes and burdens in patients with refractory chronic cough referred for behavioral cough suppression therapy. Lung, 199, 263-271.
Shivani, P., Slovarp, L., Clary, M., Jette, M. (2020). Laryngeal Chemoreflex in Health and Disease: A Review. Chemical Senses.
Vertigan, A., Haines, J. Slovarp, L. (2019). Speech pathology treatment for chronic refractory cough. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
*Slovarp, L., Bozarth, E. (2019). Altering cough reflex sensitivity with aerosolized capsaicin paired with behavioral cough suppression: A proof-of-concept study. Annals of Translational Medicine.
*Slovarp, L., Danielson, J., Liss, J. (2018). Intra-rater agreement of clinician’s treatment recommendations based on modified barium swallow study reports. Dysphagia.
*Slovarp, L., Loomis, B., Glaspey, A. (2018). Assessing need and feasibility of a behavioral cough suppression therapy screening tool. Chronic Respiratory Diseases.
Slovarp, L., Off, C., Liss, J., (2015). Contrasting Two Prophylactic Dysphagia Interventions for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Treated with Radiotherapy with or without Adjunctive Chemotherapy (Dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database (ID no. 10375)
Slovarp, L., Azuma, T., & LaPointe, L. (2012). The effect of traumatic brain injury on sustained attention and working memory. Brain Injury, 26(1), 48-57.
Affiliations
American Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Montana Speech-Hearing Association (MSHA)
ASHA Special Interest Group 3: Voice and Voice Disorders
ASHA Special Interest Group 13: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
Specialized Skills
Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S), 2009-2018
Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT LOUD) Certified Clinician, 2011
Professional Experience
Jan 2010 – present
Department of Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences (formerly Communicative Sciences and Disorders), The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥
- Adjunct Professor (2010); Assistant Professor (2011); Associate Professor (2018); Professor (2024)
- Instructor for graduate courses in voice, swallowing, motor speech disorders, and undergraduate instructor for neuroanatomy
- Clinical supervisor for voice, cough, and swallowing clinic at Rocky Mountain Ear, Nose, and Throat Center
- Director of the VOICES (Voice Outcomes and the Inquiry of Cough and Essentials in Swallowing) lab
May 2023 - present
- Scientific Advisor for Hyfe, Inc.
Jan 2008 – Aug 2012
Advanced Speech Therapy, Inc., Missoula, Montana,
- President and owner
- Contract speech therapy services to local and surrounding nursing homes and hospitals as well as provide out-patient dysphagia and voice therapy
May 2005 – Jul 2016
Community Medical Center, Missoula, Montana
- PRN therapist, covering all adult communication and swallowing disorders in the acute, acute rehab, and outpatient setting
May 2005 – Sep 2008
Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation, Western Montana
- Therapist for long-term care facilities and rural hospitals
Aug 2004 – May 2005
Arizona State University Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Clinical Assistant Professor
- Instructor for graduate and undergraduate courses in acquired communication disorders
- Clinical supervisor for adult communication disorders and voice disorders, including videostroboscopy
Apr 2004 – Apr 2005
East Valley Speech Pathology Associates: Tempe, Arizona
- Acute and outpatient therapist at Chandler Regional Hospital and private office
- Home Health Therapist
- Intern supervisor for Arizona State and Northern Arizona State University
Apr 2003 – Mar 2004
Community Medical Center: Missoula, Montana (as described above)
Apr 2000 – Mar 2003
East Valley Speech Pathology Associates (as described above)
May 2002 – June 2002
Arizona State University Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Adjunct Professor
- Instructor for Voice Disorders course.
Honors / Awards
June 2021 John C. Widdecombe award at the American Cough Conference for best oral abstract
April 2020 Recognized by Davidson Honors College as a professor who made the most significant impact on an undergraduate
Hobbies
Horse showing, skiing, hiking