NeuroCare—Personalization and Adaptation of Digital Training Programs for Mild Cognitive Impairments

Introduction: Task sharing holds promise for scaling up depression care in countries such as India, yet requires training large numbers of non-specialist health workers. This pilot trial evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a digital program for training non-specialist health workers to deliver a brief psychological treatment for depression. Methods: Participants were non-specialist health workers recruited from primary care facilities in Sehore, a rural district in Madhya Pradesh, India. A three-arm randomized controlled trial design was used, comparing digital training alone (DGT) to digital training with remote support (DGT+), and conventional face-to-face training. The primary outcome was the feasibility and acceptability of digital training programs. Preliminary effectiveness was explored as changes in competency outcomes, assessed using a self-reported measure covering the specific knowledge and skills required to deliver the brief psychological treatment for depression. Outcomes were collected at pre-training and post-training. Results: Of 42 non-specialist health workers randomized to the training programs, 36 including 10 (72%) in face-to-face, 12 (86%) in DGT, and 14 (100%) in DGT+ arms started the training. Among these participants, 27 (64%) completed the training, with 8 (57%) in face-to-face, 8 (57%) in DGT, and 11 (79%) in DGT+. The addition of remote telephone support appeared to improve completion rates for DGT+ participants. The competency outcome improved across all groups, with no significant between-group differences. However, face-to-face and DGT+ participants showed greater improvement compared to DGT alone. There were numerous technical challenges with the digital training program such as poor connectivity, smartphone app not loading, and difficulty navigating the course content—issues that were further emphasized in follow-up focus group discussions with participants. Feedback and recommendations collected from participants informed further modifications and refinements to the training programs in preparation for a forthcoming large-scale effectiveness trial. Conclusions: This study adds to mounting efforts aimed at leveraging digital technology to increase the availability of evidence-based mental health services in primary care settings in low-resource settings.

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Evidence-based reporting, methods and content of allergy-specific digital training programs

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.702 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

J Lander ◽

K Drixler ◽

M L Dierks ◽

E M Bitzer

Keyword(s):

Health Information ◽

Service Providers ◽

Training Programs ◽

Digital Health ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Specific Information ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Global Public Health ◽

User Perspective ◽

Digital Training

Abstract Background The World Allergy Organization frames allergies as a “major global public health issue”, due to the consistently high prevalence of, e.g., allergic rhinitis (up to 30%). Digital training programs (DTPs) may help fostering self-management and provide allergy-specific information, given, for instance, their good accessibility. We aimed to assess an exploratory sample of allergy-specific, interactive and feedback-oriented DTPs towards the extent to which these tools meet established criteria for the reporting, methods, and content of evidence-based (digital) health information. Methods We searched for DTPs via scientific databases and online sources and developed a checklist from established scientific guidelines for digital health information. The checklist contained 44 items covering 11 domains related to content (e.g. evidence-base), structure (e.g. trainer qualification) and impact (e.g. user perspective). Results 15 DTPs covered an average of 37% of the items (score 33/88). Items relating to intervention (58%), content (49%), and data safety (60%) were frequently considered, as opposed to user safety (10%), qualification of staff (10%), effectiveness (16%), and user perspective (45%). In 13 of 15 DTPs, a minimum of 3 domains were not covered at all. Regarding evidence-based content, 46% scored on use of scientific research, 53% on regular information update, and 33% on provision of references. Conclusions Allergy-specific DTPs conform only partly to established criteria for evidence-based (digital) health information and education. The named methodological and content-wise shortcomings pose considerable obstacles for users. While there have been related, general criticisms earlier, this study provides empirical evidence via the example of allergy-specific DTPs. Key messages For DTPs to add value, service providers and health information experts need to cooperate much closer to reduce the 'reporting vs. requirements' gap. Cooperation is also needed to agree essential methodological and content-wise features of DTPs and similar services.

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Case Studies for Telepractice in AAC

Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication ◽

10.1044/aac23.1.42 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 42-54 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tanya Rose Curtis

Keyword(s):

Service Delivery ◽

Case Studies ◽

Eye Gaze ◽

Cognitive Impairments ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Computer Experience ◽

Access Methods ◽

Complex Communication Needs ◽

Barriers To Service ◽

Communication Needs

As the field of telepractice grows, perceived barriers to service delivery must be anticipated and addressed in order to provide appropriate service delivery to individuals who will benefit from this model. When applying telepractice to the field of AAC, additional barriers are encountered when clients with complex communication needs are unable to speak, often present with severe quadriplegia and are unable to position themselves or access the computer independently, and/or may have cognitive impairments and limited computer experience. Some access methods, such as eye gaze, can also present technological challenges in the telepractice environment. These barriers can be overcome, and telepractice is not only practical and effective, but often a preferred means of service delivery for persons with complex communication needs.

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Identification and Remediation of At-Risk Student Clinicians in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Perspectives on Administration and Supervision ◽

10.1044/aas18.1.24 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 24-31

Author(s):

Martha Wilder Wilson ◽

Elizabeth Zylla-Jones

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Training Programs ◽

Professional Services ◽

Speech Language Pathology ◽

High Quality ◽

The Public ◽

Language Pathology ◽

Remediation Plan ◽

University Training ◽

At Risk Student

Abstract The goal of university training programs is to educate speech-language pathology and audiology students to become competent and independent practitioners, with the ability to provide high quality and professional services to the public. This article describes the behaviors of “at-risk” student clinicians, so they may be identified early in their practica and remediation may be implemented. The importance of establishing a student at-risk protocol is discussed as well as a remediation plan for these students. This article summarized the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic’s Student At-Risk Protocol, which may serve as a model for university training programs. The challenges of implementing such a protocol are also discussed.

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Comment on “The Development of Language-Training Programs”

Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders ◽

10.1044/jshd.3803.391b ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 391-391

Author(s):

Linda Cohen Kessler

Keyword(s):

Training Programs ◽

Language Training ◽

Development Of Language

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A Proposal to Establish Standardized Learning Outcomes for Resonance Across Graduate Programs in Speech-Language Pathology

Perspectives on Speech Science and Orofacial Disorders ◽

10.1044/ssod24.1.21 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 21-26

Author(s):

Helen M. Sharp ◽

Mary O'Gara

Keyword(s):

Learning Outcomes ◽

Training Programs ◽

Graduate Training ◽

Graduate Programs ◽

Core Knowledge ◽

Speech Language Pathology ◽

Entry Level ◽

The Public ◽

Language Pathology ◽

Graduate Training Programs

The Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CCFC) sets accreditation standards and these standards list broad domains of knowledge with specific coverage of “the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates” and assessment, intervention, and methods of prevention for each domain” (CCFC, 2013, “Standard IV-C”). One domain in the 2014 standards is “voice and resonance.” Studies of graduate training programs suggest that fewer programs require coursework in cleft palate, the course in which resonance was traditionally taught. The purpose of this paper is to propose a standardized learning outcomes specific to resonance that would achieve the minimum knowledge required for all entry-level professionals in speech-language pathology. Graduate programs and faculty should retain flexibility and creativity in how these learning outcomes are achieved. Shared learning objectives across programs would serve programs, faculty, students, accreditation site visitors, and the public in assuring that a consistent, minimum core knowledge is achieved across graduate training programs. Proficiency in the management of individuals with resonance disorders would require additional knowledge and skills.

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