Órla Gilheany - Assistant Professor in Speech and Language Pathology
Órla Gilheany
Assistant Professor in Speech and Language Pathology
I am a speech and language therapist with an interest in eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties in people with under-researched and invisible illnesses. My research aims to produce practical solutions for patients who are having difficulty accessing effective care, and aims to involve patients in these research studies where possible so that their views are represented and their needs met.
What I teach
- Undergraduate
- Ethics and professional studies
- Research design
- Postgraduate
- Evidence-based practice
- Research methods
- Dissertation
- Foundation clinical skills
What I research
- Oral stage eating and drinking difficulties
- Swallowing difficulties in people with invisible illnesses
- Swallowing difficulties in under-researched patient groups
- Public and patient involvement in research
Recent Publications
- Temporomandibular disorders and eating and drinking difficulties
- This systematic review demonstrates that people with jaw difficulties commonly experience a broad range of eating and drinking difficulties
- This prospective study finds that 98% of patients with jaw problems presenting to specialist Irish clinics experience a range of physical eating and drinking and quality of life difficulties
- This systematic review found that 45% of patients with jaw problems must modify their diets due to eating and drinking difficulties
- Temporomandibular disorders and eating and drinking difficulties caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis
- This systematic review demonstrated that patients with RA experience similar eating and drinking difficulties as those with non-inflammatory issues
- This survey found that eating and drinking problems in people with RA may be under-identified and that clinicians in Ireland have limited experience in this area