Telehealth applications in speech-language pathology: a modified narrative review

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 310-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Leigh Reynolds ◽  
Jessica Lindsay Vick ◽  
Nancy Jeanne Haak

We conducted a modified narrative review of the literature on telehealth applications used in speech-language pathology assessment and treatment. The following databases and information resources were used: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PSYCInfo, ERIC, Digital Dissertations, CSA Social Services Abstracts, CSA Sociological Abstracts, On-line ASHA publications and personal contacts. Sixty-two full-text documents were located. Twenty-eight provided sufficient detail to be reviewed using a checklist adapted from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) recommendations for level of evidence rankings and quality assessment ratings. Five of the 28 studies received a ranking indicating a high level of evidence (larger sample sizes, assessed outcomes with valid and reliable measures, performed statistical analysis of study results, measured reliability of study results, ensured internal and external validity, and ensured randomization of participants to groups). These five studies concluded that the service delivery results from telehealth were equivalent to traditional face-to-face results. However, telehealth was not a complete replacement for face-to-face service delivery and further research is required.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Hin Yan Lam ◽  
Stephen Man Kit Lee ◽  
Xiuli Tong

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in face-to-face class suspensions and a boom in the use of telepractice in speech-language pathology. However, little is known about caregivers’ and students’ telepractice satisfaction and service delivery mode preferences. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated perceived telepractice efficacy and preference between onsite practice and telepractice as well as factors affecting service delivery mode preferences among caregivers and students during COVID-19. METHODS A 20-question survey on telepractice satisfaction and preference was administered to 41 Chinese students and 85 caregivers who received telepractice from school-based speech-language pathologists in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic class suspension period. They were asked to 1) report the implementation of telepractice, 2) rate their perceptions of the efficacy of telepractice on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), 3) compare the efficacy of telepractice to onsite practice, and 4) state their preference between telepractice and onsite practice. RESULTS Despite a high rating for telepractice efficacy from caregivers (95% CI 3.30-3.66) and students (95% CI 3.21-3.76), both groups perceived that telepractice was less effective than onsite practice (caregivers: 95% CI 2.14-2.52; students: 95% CI 2.08-2.65). Moreover, the caregivers preferred onsite practice over telepractice (95% CI 2.04-2.43), whereas the students showed no preference for the mode of practice (95% CI 2.74-3.41). A significant association between telepractice efficacy and preference was found only among the students (τ = .43, P < .001), not the caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Although telepractice can be considered an acceptable alternative service delivery option for school-aged speech and language therapy services, a more proactive role of speech-language therapists and caregivers in telepractice is needed to facilitate the engagement of caregivers and effective communication between clinicians and caregivers.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 550-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan S Overby ◽  
Annette Baft-Neff

Introduction Despite the growth of telecommunication applications to provide clinical healthcare services, there has been little attention to the pedagogical framework needed to train healthcare students to deliver these services. Methods In this exploratory investigation, perceptions of speech-language pathology/therapy (SLP/SLT) faculty ( n = 31), graduate students ( n = 16), and telehealth (“telepractice”) clinicians ( n = 16) were examined with a 15-item survey regarding the 1) comparative pedagogical importance of four skills common to telepractice and face-to-face service (f2f) delivery, and 2) relative pedagogical value of seven skills and competencies unique to telepractice. Results Statistical analyses revealed nonverbal communication skills and knowledge of the literature related to service delivery methods were more important in telepractice than in f2f service delivery. Among seven skills unique to telepractice, participants believed the most important was solving problems related to the Internet and recommended at least two hours of instruction each in telepractice technology, patient confidentiality, and role-playing telepractice. Results suggest that SLP/SLT students may need additional and/or focused academic training in nonverbal communication, telepractice literature, and in solving connectivity issues to enter the telepractice marketplace with sufficient preparation. Discussion Further study is needed to compare the relative importance of additional SLP/SLT skills and competencies, describe components of effective healthcare training telepractice programs, and explore effective pedagogical strategies for healthcare telepractice instruction.


2020 ◽  
pp. 000348942096633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina H. Kang ◽  
Nan Zhang ◽  
David G. Lott

Objective: To determine factors contributing to disease etiology and treatment efficacy. Study Design: Original Report. Setting: Tertiary academic center. Methods: IRB approved prospective study of 20 patients with reported dysphagia who exhibited normal oropharyngeal and esophageal swallowing function as evidenced by videofluoroscopic swallow study, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, high-resolution esophageal manometry with stationary impedance, and Bravo pH probe off proton pump inhibitor. Patients underwent speech-language pathology intervention. Results: Atypical laryngeal muscle tension was present in 100% of patients. Forty percent of patients had diagnosed positive gastroesophageal reflux disease. Sixty-five percent of patients showed signs of non-specific laryngeal inflammation and laryngeal hyperresponsiveness during strobolaryngoscopy. All patients reported a mean of 90% recovery by the completion of voice therapy directed toward unloading muscle tension. Conclusion: The study results suggest an association between laryngeal muscle tension and these patients’ dysphagia symptoms regardless of associated conditions. Speech-language pathology intervention showed high treatment efficacy. Level of Evidence: 2c- Outcomes research.


2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
Carol Dudding

Whether in our professional or private lives, we are all aware of the system wide efforts to provide quality healthcare services while containing the costs. Telemedicine as a method of service delivery has expanded as a result of changes in reimbursement and service delivery models. The growth and sustainability of telehealth within speech-language pathology and audiology, like any other service, depends on the ability to be reimbursed for services provided. Currently, reimbursement for services delivered via telehealth is variable and depends on numerous factors. An understanding of these factors and a willingness to advocate for increased reimbursement can bolster the success of practitioners interested in the telehealth as a service delivery method.


Author(s):  
Johanna Boult ◽  
Jennifer E. Whited ◽  
Tamara M. Easley

There is a necessity for students to learn about multicultural multilingual (MM) content in speech-language-pathology curricula. One reason for doing so is personal motivation: an awareness of and commitment to developing competence in working with diverse clients. Awareness can grow given specific instructional experiences in the form of special projects that aim to build cross-cultural relationships with the goal of fostering empathy and compassion. This chapter provides a tutorial explaining one such instructional experience: the cross-cultural communication (CCC) project. Central to the project are face-to-face meetings and reflective journaling on topics including counteracting stereotypes and planning for culturally responsive service provision. Activities have antiracist intentions guided by the moral obligation to care for fellow human beings (as per ethics of care [EoC] theory). This chapter provides (1) theoretical underpinnings of the project, (2) procedures for its completion, and (3) description of a modification of the project for a language disorders course.


Author(s):  
RaMonda Horton

This chapter will provide readers with an overview of how a systems-based approach can be used to understand the relationship between culture, environment, language, and disability. It will identify a useful model of ecology, culture, and development that can and should be considered in conjunction with the WHO-ICF framework to guide service delivery in school-based settings. This chapter will also provide an overview of systems-based approaches that can be used when working with children from traditionally marginalized backgrounds. Finally, a case study example will be used to provide guidance on the application of systems-based approaches to service delivery for children in school-based settings.


1997 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel C Uys ◽  
Rene Hugo

Tins article aims at a presentation of transformation in communication pathology. OpsommingDie doel van hierdie artikel is om transformasie in kommunikasiepatologie voor te hou. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.


Author(s):  
Stephanie Couch ◽  
Dominique Zieba ◽  
Jeannie Van der Linde ◽  
Anita Van der Merwe

Background: As a professional voice user, it is imperative that a speech-language pathologist’s(SLP) vocal effectiveness remain consistent throughout the day. Many factors may contribute to reduced vocal effectiveness, including prolonged voice use, vocally abusive behaviours,poor vocal hygiene and environmental factors.Objectives: To determine the effect of service delivery on the perceptual and acoustic features of voice.Method: A quasi-experimental., pre-test–post-test research design was used. Participants included third- and final-year speech-language pathology students at the University of Pretoria(South Africa). Voice parameters were evaluated in a pre-test measurement, after which the participants provided two consecutive hours of therapy. A post-test measurement was then completed. Data analysis consisted of an instrumental analysis in which the multidimensional voice programme (MDVP) and the voice range profile (VRP) were used to measure vocal parameters and then calculate the dysphonia severity index (DSI). The GRBASI scale wasused to conduct a perceptual analysis of voice quality. Data were processed using descriptive statistics to determine change in each measured parameter after service delivery.Results: A change of clinical significance was observed in the acoustic and perceptual parameters of voice.Conclusion: Guidelines for SLPs in order to maintain optimal vocal effectiveness were suggested.


10.2196/25675 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e25675
Author(s):  
Joseph Hin Yan Lam ◽  
Stephen Man Kit Lee ◽  
Xiuli Tong

Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the suspension of face-to-face classes and a considerable increase in the use of telepractice services in speech-language pathology. However, little is known about parents’ and students’ satisfaction with telepractice services and their preferences for different service delivery modes. These factors may affect therapy effectiveness and the future adoption of telepractice. Objective We evaluated students’ and parents’ perceptions of telepractice efficacy and their preferences for different service delivery modes (ie, on-site practice vs telepractice). We also identified factors that affect parents’ and students’ preferences for different service delivery modes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A 19-question survey on telepractice satisfaction and preferences was administered to 41 Hong Kong Chinese students and 85 parents who received telepractice services from school-based speech-language pathologists during the COVID-19 class suspension period. In addition to providing demographic information and data on the implementation of telepractice services, all participants were asked to rate their perceptions of the efficacy of telepractice services and compare on-site practices to telepractice on a 5-point Likert scale (ie, 1=strongly disagree/prefer the use of on-site speech-language therapy services and 5=strongly agree/prefer the use of telepractice services). Results Despite the fact that telepractice efficacy was highly rated by parents (95% CI 3.30-3.66) and students (95% CI 3.21-3.76), both groups believed that telepractice was less effective than on-site practices (parents: 95% CI 2.14-2.52; students: 95% CI 2.08-2.65). Moreover, parents preferred on-site practices over telepractice (95% CI 2.04-2.43), whereas students did not prefer one mode of practice over the other (95% CI 2.74-3.41). A significant association between telepractice efficacy and a preference for telepractice services was found only among the students (τ=.43, P<.001), not the parents (τ=.07; P=.44). Conclusions Although telepractice is an acceptable alternative service delivery option for providing speech and language therapy services to school-aged individuals, speech-language therapists and parents must play a more proactive role in telepractice services to facilitate effective communication between clinicians and parents.


2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles H. Carlin ◽  
Katie Boarman ◽  
Emily Carlin ◽  
Karissa Inselmann

In the present feasibility study, e-supervision was used to provide university liaison supervision to SLP graduate students enrolled in student teaching practica. Utilizing a mixed methodology approach, interview and survey data were compared in order to identify similarities and differences between face-to-face and e-supervision and guide future practice. Results showed e-supervised graduate students received adequate supervision, feedback, support, and communication. Further, e-supervision provided additional benefits to supervisors, children on the caseload, and universities. Despite the benefits, disadvantages emerged. Implications for future practice and limitations of the study were identified.


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