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Bouvier L, Green JR, Tapia CB, Tilton-Bolowsky V, Maffei MF, Fless Z, Seaver K, Huynh A, Gutz SE, Martino R, Abrahao A, Berry J, Zinman L, Yunusova Y. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Bulbar Dysfunction Index-Remote: Test-Retest and Interrater Reliability of Candidate Items. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:1884-1900. [PMID: 37494887 PMCID: PMC10561957 DOI: 10.1044/2023_ajslp-22-00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary aim of this study was to establish the reliability of candidate items as a step in the development of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Bulbar Dysfunction Index-Remote (ALS-BDI-Remote), a novel tool being developed for the detection and monitoring of bulbar signs and symptoms in remote settings. METHOD The set of candidate items included 40 items covering three domains: cranial nerve examination, auditory-perceptual evaluation, and functional assessment. Forty-eight participants diagnosed with ALS and exhibiting a range of bulbar disease severity were included. Data collection for each participant took place on Zoom over three sessions. During Session 1, the participants were instructed to adjust their Zoom settings and to optimize their recording environment (e.g., lighting, background noise). Their cognition and eating were screened to determine their ability to follow instructions and their eligibility to perform the swallowing and chewing tasks. During Session 2, two speech-language pathologists (SLPs) administered the tool consecutively to determine the items' interrater reliability. During Session 3, one of the SLPs readministered the tool within 2 weeks of Session 1 to assess test-retest reliability. The reliability of each item was estimated using weighted kappa and the percentage of agreement. To be considered reliable, the items had to reach a threshold of 0.5 weighted kappa or 80% percentage agreement (if skewed distribution of the scores) for both interrater and test-retest reliability. RESULTS In total, 33 of the 40 candidate items reached the reliability cutoff for both reliability analyses. All assessment domains included reliable items. Items requiring very good visualization of structures or movements were generally less reliable. CONCLUSIONS This study resulted in the selection of reliable items to be included in the next version of the ALS-BDI-Remote, which will undergo psychometric evaluation (reliability, validity, and responsiveness analyses). Additionally, the results contributed to our understanding of the remote administration of SLP assessments for telehealth applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liziane Bouvier
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- KITE—University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan R. Green
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
- Speech and Hearing Biosciences and Technology, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Carolina Barnett Tapia
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and University Health Network, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Tilton-Bolowsky
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Marc F. Maffei
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Zuzana Fless
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katie Seaver
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Anna Huynh
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- KITE—University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah E. Gutz
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
- Speech and Hearing Biosciences and Technology, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Rosemary Martino
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Agessandro Abrahao
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Berry
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Lorne Zinman
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yana Yunusova
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- KITE—University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Karlsson F, Lovric L, Matthelié J, Brage L, Hägglund P. A Within-Subject Comparison of Face-to-Face and Telemedicine Screening Using the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST) and the Test of Mastication and Swallowing of Solids (TOMASS). Dysphagia 2023; 38:483-490. [PMID: 35809097 PMCID: PMC9873209 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10490-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST) and the Test of Mastication of Solids (TOMASS) are dysphagia screening procedures that have been shown to be reliably assessed from video. The reliability of the procedures performed over telemedicine has not previously been assessed. TWST and TOMASS outcomes in two situations (both face-to-face and over telemedicine) were compared for 48 participants (aged 60-90; 27 with clinical conditions and 21 older persons). Both testing situation and test performed order were randomized, and all assessment procedures were performed within 3 h of each other. The results indicated a high level of agreement between face-to-face and telemedicine screening outcomes for TWST and TOMASS, respectively. The assessments indicated an 83% and 76% agreement in classifications of individual participants as within or outside normal limits for the TWST and TOMASS for the two test situations. The TWST showed a balanced distribution in differing classification in telemedicine (0.16-0.19 error rates). The TOMASS procedure classified more participants as outside normal limits over telemedicine compared to face-to-face administration. Agreement in the observed number of swallows was substantially lower than other outcome measures, which is attributed to increased difficulty in observing this property over video. Most participants (60%) reported that they would prefer telemedicine over face-to-face assessments, and 90% viewed the procedure as more accessible than expected. All participants were satisfied with the telemedicine procedures. The results suggest that clinical assessment of dysphagia over telemedicine using the TWST and TOMASS are viable alternatives to face-to-face administration of the procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Karlsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology, Umea University, 90187, Umea, Sweden.
| | - Leo Lovric
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology, Umea University, 90187, Umea, Sweden
| | - Josephine Matthelié
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology, Umea University, 90187, Umea, Sweden
| | - Louise Brage
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology, Umea University, 90187, Umea, Sweden
| | - Patricia Hägglund
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech-Language Pathology, Umea University, 90187, Umea, Sweden
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Savira F, Gupta A, Gilbert C, Huggins CE, Browning C, Chapman W, Haines T, Peeters A. Virtual Care Initiatives for Older Adults in Australia: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e38081. [PMID: 36652291 PMCID: PMC9892987 DOI: 10.2196/38081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a rapid shift toward the adoption of virtual health care services in Australia. It is unknown how widely virtual care has been implemented or evaluated for the care of older adults in Australia. OBJECTIVE We aimed to review the literature evaluating virtual care initiatives for older adults across a wide range of health conditions and modalities and identify key challenges and opportunities for wider adoption at both patient and system levels in Australia. METHODS A scoping review of the literature was conducted. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AgeLine, and gray literature (January 1, 2011, to March 8, 2021) to identify virtual care initiatives for older Australians (aged ≥65 years). The results were reported according to the World Health Organization's digital health evaluation framework. RESULTS Among the 6296 documents in the search results, we identified 94 that reported 80 unique virtual care initiatives. Most (69/80, 89%) were at the pilot stage and targeted community-dwelling older adults (64/79, 81%) with chronic diseases (52/80, 65%). The modes of delivery included videoconference, telephone, apps, device or monitoring systems, and web-based technologies. Most initiatives showed either similar or better health and behavioral outcomes compared with in-person care. The key barriers for wider adoption were physical, cognitive, or sensory impairment in older adults and staffing issues, legislative issues, and a lack of motivation among providers. CONCLUSIONS Virtual care is a viable model of care to address a wide range of health conditions among older adults in Australia. More embedded and integrative evaluations are needed to ensure that virtually enabled care can be used more widely by older Australians and health care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feby Savira
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Adyya Gupta
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Cecily Gilbert
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Catherine E Huggins
- Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Colette Browning
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Federation University, Ballarat, Australia
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Wendy Chapman
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Terry Haines
- National Centre for Healthy Ageing, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Frankston, Australia
| | - Anna Peeters
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Telehealth Management of Dysphagia in Adults: A Survey of Speech Language Pathologists' Experiences and Perceptions. Dysphagia 2022:10.1007/s00455-022-10544-z. [PMID: 36515730 PMCID: PMC9749630 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10544-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to explore telehealth use for dysphagia management in response to COVID-19 to understand variables associated with clinician confidence and perceived effectiveness of this service delivery model and determine clinician-perceived benefits and challenges of managing dysphagia via telehealth. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs, n = 235) completed a web-based survey, providing information on demographics, telehealth use during the pandemic, and perspectives on current and future tele-management of dysphagia. Analyses included descriptive statistics to examine usage patterns; logistic regression to determine which variables were associated with telehealth use, clinician confidence, and perceived-effectiveness; and conventional content analysis to analyze responses to open-ended questions. Results revealed a sharp increase in the tele-management of dysphagia during the pandemic. Years of experience with dysphagia management (p = .031) and pre-pandemic use of telehealth (p < .001) were significantly associated with current use patterns. Working in the outpatient setting was associated with greater clinician confidence (p = .003) and perceived effectiveness (p = .007), and use of guidelines (p = .042) was also associated with greater clinician confidence. Key challenges identified included inadequate technological infrastructure, inadequate patient digital literacy, and reimbursement restrictions. Key benefits were treatment continuity, improving access to care, and time savings. The majority (67%) of respondents reported that they would use telehealth in the future. These findings demonstrate SLPs' abilities and desire to expand their practice patterns to include telehealth for dysphagia management. Therefore, clinician training and more research on best practices for assessment and treatment of dysphagia via telehealth is warranted to refine models of care for dysphagia tele-management.
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Sevitz JS, Borders JC, Dakin AE, Kiefer BR, Alcalay RN, Kuo SH, Troche MS. Rehabilitation of Airway Protection in Individuals With Movement Disorders: A Telehealth Feasibility Study. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2022; 31:2741-2758. [PMID: 36279509 PMCID: PMC9911128 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Airway protective deficits (swallowing and cough) greatly reduce health and quality of life and are a pervasive consequence of neurodegenerative movement disorders. Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) and cough skill training (CST) are two treatment approaches to improve airway protection; however, many patients are unable to access these treatments. Telehealth may improve access to care, but it remains unknown whether these treatments are feasible and efficacious via telehealth. This study aimed to determine the practical feasibility and preliminary treatment effect of EMST and CST via telehealth. METHOD Twenty participants with movement disorders completed 4 weeks of EMST and 2 weeks of CST, including two clinician-directed treatment sessions via telehealth and 3 days of home practice per week. Feasibility was calculated for each treatment. Practical feasibility was defined as completing treatment (EMST or CST) and obtaining the relevant outcome measures-a proxy of maximum expiratory pressure (pMEP) for EMST and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) for CST-within a 30-min session/period. Session factors that may have influenced feasibility were examined. Preliminary treatment effect was defined as changes in pMEP and PEFR. RESULTS Time taken to obtain pMEP and complete EMST was 17.48 min, and time taken to obtain PEFR and complete CST was 17.69 min. pMEP, single voluntary cough PEFR, and sequential voluntary cough PEFR increased from pre- to posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that the delivery of EMST and CST is feasible via telehealth and yield improvements to pMEP and PEFR. This has important implications for expanding service delivery of airway protective interventions and reducing health care disparities in people with neurodegenerative movement disorders. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21357669.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordanna S Sevitz
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - James C Borders
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Avery E Dakin
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Brianna R Kiefer
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Roy N Alcalay
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Michelle S Troche
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
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Khan MM, Manduchi B, Rodriguez V, Fitch MI, Barbon CEA, McMillan H, Hutcheson KA, Martino R. Exploring patient experiences with a telehealth approach for the PRO-ACTIVE trial intervention in head and neck cancer patients. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1218. [PMID: 36180905 PMCID: PMC9523628 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08554-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following the COVID-19 directive to cease non-essential services, a rapid shift was made in the delivery of Speech Language Pathology (SLP) dysphagia management in the 3-arm, randomized PRO-ACTIVE trial. To inform future programs, this study explored patients' experiences with telehealth when the planned in-person SLP intervention was moved to a telehealth modality. METHODS A theory-guided qualitative descriptive approach was used. Willing participants who had received at least one telehealth swallowing therapy session participated in a one-time semi-structured interview. Interview transcripts were subjected to a standard qualitative content/theme analysis. Researchers reviewed all transcripts and used a multi-step analysis process to build a coding framework through consensus discussion. Summaries and key messages were generated for each code. RESULTS Eleven participants recounted their telehealth experiences and reported feeling satisfied, comfortable and confident with the session(s). They identified that previous experience with teleconferencing, access to optimal technical equipment, clinician skill, and caregiver assistance facilitated their telehealth participation. Participants highlighted that telehealth was beneficial as it reduced commuting time, COVID-19 exposure and fatigue from travel; and also allowed caregiver participation particularly during COVID. In comparing their in-person SLP sessions to telehealth sessions, limitations were also identified, including: lack of previous experience with and/or poor access to technology, and less opportunity for personalization. Participants indicated that use of phone alone was less preferred than an audio/video platform. DISCUSSION Patients reported that overall, telehealth sessions did not compromise their learning experience when compared to in-person sessions. Patients benefited from use of telehealth in several ways despite some limitations of the use of technology. Patient feedback about telehealth provides an important perspective that may be critical to inform best practices for care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Khan
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - B Manduchi
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - V Rodriguez
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M I Fitch
- Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - C E A Barbon
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - H McMillan
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - K A Hutcheson
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7007 Bertner Ave., Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - R Martino
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, 160-500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada.
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Omori F, Fujiu-Kurachi M, Wada K, Yamano T. Development of a Remote Examination of Deglutition Based on Consensus Surveys of Clinicians (Part II): Reliability and Validity in Healthy Elderly Individuals and Oral Cancer Patients. Dysphagia 2022; 38:896-911. [PMID: 36167837 PMCID: PMC9514714 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10514-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In our prior published study, we extracted evaluation items suitable for remote administration, and made a relatively simple Remote Examination of Deglutition (RED). This study aimed at verifying the reliability and validity of RED. The participants were 21 healthy elderly individuals and 72 postoperative oral cancer (OC) patients. OC patients underwent videofluoroscopic dysphagia examination, and severity was judged on the dysphagia severity scale (DSS). Reliability and validity of RED were examined in all participants under face-to-face conditions, in comparison with the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA). Reliability and validity of remote administration of RED were examined in 40 participants. ROC curves were used to find cut-off RED scores to predict aspiration and deglutition disorders. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the items was 0.882. There was a high correlation between the total score of RED and MASA in the face-to-face condition. When RED score was compared among different severity groups (DSS1-4, DSS5-6, and DSS7), the total and oral preparatory stage scores revealed significant group differences. The area under the curve (AUC) for aspiration based on the ROC curve was 0.913, with a sensitivity/specificity of 0.80/0.98. The AUC for deglutition disorders was 0.819, with a sensitivity/specificity of 0.74/0.67. In both face-to-face and remote conditions, the reliability of RED was good.The reliability and validity of RED were confirmed. RED has shown the potential to assess the likelihood of aspiration and deglutition disorders in OC patients remotely as an initial assessment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumitaka Omori
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fukuoka Dental College Hospital, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0193, Japan. .,Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School, 4-3 Kouzunomori, Narita-shi, Tsiba, 286-8686, Japan.
| | - Masako Fujiu-Kurachi
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School, 4-3 Kouzunomori, Narita-shi, Tsiba, 286-8686, Japan
| | - Kaori Wada
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fukuoka Dental College Hospital, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0193, Japan
| | - Takafumi Yamano
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Medicine, Fukuoka Dental College, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0193, Japan
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Soyama S, Mano T, Kido A. Oropharyngeal dysphagia telerehabilitation in the Intensive Care Unit for COVID-19: a case report. Codas 2022; 34:e20210023. [PMID: 35384989 PMCID: PMC9886286 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20212021023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The face-to-face assessment of and training for dysphagia are considered aerosol-generating procedures, and thus are contraindicated for patients who are positive or suspected of having severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Considering the extremely infectious nature of the virus, transmission to other individuals during rehabilitation is possible. Some patients in the intensive care unit and those who are on endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation often have dysphagia. Therefore, assessment and training for oropharyngeal dysphagia are provided by rehabilitation professionals to restore normal feeding before patient discharged. Thus, we aimed to explore the advantages of telerehabilitation in dysphagia management during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An infected 50-year-old man admitted to the hospital underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation rescue therapy and tracheostomy. Upon gradual respiratory status stabilization, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy was discontinued, and he was weaned off the ventilator. He had difficulty swallowing and coughed after attempting to drink fluids. We considered the application of telerehabilitation for managing dysphagia while minimizing the risk of infection and usage of personal protective equipment. A videoconferencing software on a tablet device provided contactless telerehabilitation, thus reducing the risk of infection and preventing personal protective equipment shortage. Moreover, it facilitates discussion on the issues related to the evaluation of oropharyngeal dysphagia telerehabilitation. We highlight important considerations for the application of telerehabilitation in the assessment and treatment of dysphagia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeto Soyama
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nara Medical University - Kashihara, Japan.
| | - Tomoo Mano
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nara Medical University - Kashihara, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University - Kashihara, Japan.
| | - Akira Kido
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nara Medical University - Kashihara, Japan.
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Reverberi C, Gottardo G, Battel I, Castagnetti E. The neurogenic dysphagia management via telemedicine: a systematic review. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2022; 58:179-189. [PMID: 34605620 PMCID: PMC9980496 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.21.06921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telerehabilitation is the provision of rehabilitation remotely through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Recently, there has been an increase of interest in its application thanks to increasing a new technology. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence of the literature regarding the management of neurogenic dysphagia via telerehabilitation, compared to face-to-face rehabilitation treatment. The secondary aim was to create recommendations on telerehabilitation sessions for patients diagnosed with neurogenic dysphagia. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The databases were: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus. A total of 235 records emerged from bibliographic research, manual search of full text and from gray literature, published until January 2021. Two blinded authors carried out titles and abstract screening and followed by full-text analysis. Sixteen articles were included in the systematic review and assessed through critical appraisal tools. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The research shows that the majority of the studies on neurogenic dysphagia involved the Clinical Swallow Examination via telerehabilitation, compared with the in-person modality. Significant levels of agreement and high satisfaction from clinicians and patients are reported to support the use of telerehabilitation. Based on the results of this systematic review and qualitative analysis, the authors developed practical recommendations for the management of telerehabilitation sessions for patients with neurogenic dysphagia. CONCLUSIONS Despite the presence of barriers, telerehabilitation allowed healthcare provision and increasing access to care and services with specialized professionals, remote rehabilitation can be a valid resource during the health emergency due to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Reverberi
- Department of Health Professions, AUSL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Irene Battel
- Department of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation, San Giovanni e Paolo Civil Hospital, Azienda ULSS3 Serenissima, Venice, Italy -
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Yang A, Kim D, Hwang PH, Lechner M. Telemedicine and Telementoring in Rhinology, Otology, and Laryngology: A Scoping Review. OTO Open 2022; 6:2473974X211072791. [PMID: 35274073 PMCID: PMC8902203 DOI: 10.1177/2473974x211072791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Telemedicine and telementoring have had a significant boost across
all medical and surgical specialties over the last decade and
especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this scoping
review is to synthesize the current use of telemedicine and
telementoring in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck
surgery. Data Sources PubMed and Cochrane Library. Review Methods A scoping review search was conducted, which identified 469
articles. Following full-text screening by 2 researchers, 173
articles were eligible for inclusion and further categorized via
relevant subdomains. Conclusions Virtual encounters and telementoring are the 2 main applications of
telemedicine in otolaryngology. These applications can be
classified into 7 subdomains. Different ear, nose, and throat
subspecialties utilized certain telemedicine applications more
than others; for example, almost all articles on patient
engagement tools are rhinology based. Overall, telemedicine is
feasible, showing similar concordance when compared with
traditional methods; it is also cost-effective, with high
patient and provider satisfaction. Implications for Practice Telemedicine in otorhinolaryngology has been widely employed during
the COVID-19 pandemic and has a huge potential, especially with
regard to its distributing quality care to rural areas. However,
it is important to note that with current exponential use, it is
equally crucial to ensure security and privacy and integrate
HIPAA-compliant systems (Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act) in the big data era. It is expected that
many more applications developed during the pandemic are here to
stay and will be refined in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Dayoung Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Peter H. Hwang
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Matt Lechner
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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11
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Massana C, Figueroa M. Telelogopedia en el contexto de la pandemia de la COVID-19: Análisis de las adaptaciones y las percepciones de los logopedas. REVISTA DE INVESTIGACIÓN EN LOGOPEDIA 2022. [DOI: 10.5209/rlog.77746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
La telepráctica logopédica facilita los servicios en situaciones excepcionales como ha sido la pandemia de la COVID-19. A causa de las restricciones impuestas, los logopedas han tenido que adoptar nuevos enfoques en su práctica profesional. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la percepción y la valoración que tiene el colectivo de logopedas de España respeto a la telelogopedia, describir la adaptación e identificar posibles problemáticas que hayan surgido mediante una encuesta en línea. La encuesta ha sido respondida por treinta y siete logopedas en activo. Los resultados nos muestran que la mayoría de las personas encuestadas han usado la telelogopedia (75.6%) y que su valoración respeto a ella ha aumentado durante desde el inicio de la pandemia. Tan sólo uno de los participantes había recibido formación sobre telelogopedia y dos la habían utilizado antes de la pandemia. El motivo principal de los logopedas para no realizar sesiones de telepráctica estaba relacionado con la tipología de paciente y/o una edad inadecuada. Se identifican las principales desventajas del uso de la telelogopedia y exponen propuestas para la práctica clínica.
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12
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Ward EC, Raatz M, Marshall J, Wishart LR, Burns CL. Telepractice and Dysphagia Management: The Era of COVID-19 and Beyond. Dysphagia 2022; 37:1386-1399. [PMID: 35428923 PMCID: PMC9012247 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10444-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic drove rapid and widespread uptake of telepractice across all aspects of healthcare. The delivery of dysphagia care was no exception, with telepractice recognized as a service modality that could support social distancing/infection control, overcome service delivery challenges created by lockdowns/service closures, and address consumer concerns about attending in-person appointments. Now, almost two years since most services first rapidly deployed telepractice, it is time to reflect on the big picture, and consider how telepractice will continue as a service option that is sustained and integrated into mainstream dysphagia care. It is also timely to consider the research agenda needed to support this goal. To this end, in this paper we present 4 discussion topics, which raise key considerations for the current and future use of telepractice within adult and pediatric dysphagia services. These are (1) Dysphagia services must meet consumer and service needs; (2) Aspects of dysphagia services can be safely and reliably provided via telepractice; (3) Telepractice can be used in flexible ways to support the delivery of dysphagia services; and (4) Providing quality dysphagia services via telepractice requires planned implementation and evaluation. Then directions for future research are discussed. These considerations are presented to help shift perspectives away from viewing telepractice as simply a COVID-19 "interim-care solution". Rather, we encourage clinicians, services, and researchers to embrace a future of "integrated care", where traditional dysphagia services are combined with telepractice models, to enhance the quality of care provided to our clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C. Ward
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research (CFAHR), Metro South Hospital and Health Service, PO Box 6053, Buranda, QLD 4102 Australia ,School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Madeline Raatz
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,Speech Pathology Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Jeanne Marshall
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,Speech Pathology Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Laurelie R. Wishart
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research (CFAHR), Metro South Hospital and Health Service, PO Box 6053, Buranda, QLD 4102 Australia ,School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Clare L. Burns
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia ,Speech Pathology Department, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD Australia
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13
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Ward EC, Burns CL, Gray A, Baker L, Cowie B, Winter N, Rusch R, Saxon R, Barnes S, Turvey J. Establishing Clinical Swallowing Assessment Services via Telepractice: A Multisite Implementation Evaluation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:2456-2464. [PMID: 34432993 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-21-00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose While research has confirmed the feasibility and validity of delivering clinical swallowing evaluations (CSEs) via telepractice, challenges exist for clinical implementation. Using an implementation framework, strategies that supported implementation of CSE services via telepractice within 18 regional/rural sites across five health services were examined. Method A coordinated implementation strategy involving remote training and support was provided to 18 sites across five health services (five hub and spoke services) that had identified a need to implement CSEs via telepractice. Experiences of all 10 speech-language pathologists involved at the hub sites were examined via interviews 1 year post implementation. Interview content was coded using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and constructs were rated for strength and direction of influence, using published CFIR coding conventions. Results Services were established and are ongoing at all sites. Although there were site-specific differences, 10 CFIR constructs were positive influencing factors at all five sites. The telepractice model was perceived to provide clear advantages for the service, and clinicians were motivated by positive patient response. Strategies used to support implementation, including having a well-organized implementation resource and an external facilitator who worked closely with the local champions, were highly valued. Two CFIR constructs, Structural Characteristics and Available Resources, were challenges for all sites. Conclusions A complex interplay of factors influenced service implementation at each site. A strong local commitment to improving patient care, and the assistance of targeted strategies to support local implementation were viewed as central to enabling implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Ward
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Research in Telerehabilitation, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Clare L Burns
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Research in Telerehabilitation, The University of Queensland, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy Gray
- Gayndah Community Health, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Baker
- Wide Bay Rural Allied Health & Community Health Service, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brooke Cowie
- Caboolture Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natalie Winter
- Cairns Hospital, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rukmani Rusch
- Cairns Hospital, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robyn Saxon
- Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Barnes
- Charleville Hospital, South West Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jodie Turvey
- Charleville Hospital, South West Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Evaluating the Use of Telepractice for Bottle-Feeding Assessments. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:children8110989. [PMID: 34828701 PMCID: PMC8625576 DOI: 10.3390/children8110989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is currently limited evidence supporting the use of telepractice to conduct bottle-feeding assessments. This study aimed to investigate the inter-rater reliability of bottle-feeding assessments conducted via synchronous telepractice (real-time videoconferencing). Secondary aims were to investigate parent and clinician satisfaction. Bottle-feeding skills of 30 children (aged 1 month-2 years) were simultaneously assessed by a telepractice SP (T-SP) at a remote location and an in-person SP (IP-SP) at the family home. A purpose-designed assessment form was used to evaluate: (1) developmental level (screen only), (2) state, color, and respiration, (3) oral motor skills, (4), infant oral reflexes, (5) tongue tie (screen only), (6) non-nutritive suck, (7) bottle-feeding, (8) overall feeding skills and (9) recommendations. Results of the T-SP and IP-SP assessments were compared using agreement statistics. Parents reported perceptions of telepractice pre and post session, and also rated post-session satisfaction. The telepractice SP completed a satisfaction questionnaire post-appointment. The majority of assessment components (45/53, 85%) met the agreement criteria (≥80% exact agreement). Difficulties were noted for the assessment of palate integrity, gagging during non-nutritive suck assessment, and 6 components of the tongue tie screen. Parent and clinician satisfaction was high; SPs reported that they would offer telepractice services to 93% of families again in the future. Overall, the results demonstrated that most components of a bottle-feeding assessment could be reliably completed via synchronous telepractice in family homes. However, further research is required to improve the reliability of some intra-oral assessment components.
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15
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Tan SHX, Lee CKJ, Yong CW, Ding YY. Scoping review: Facilitators and barriers in the adoption of teledentistry among older adults. Gerodontology 2021; 38:351-365. [PMID: 34523172 DOI: 10.1111/ger.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Access to oral health care among older adults is a key issue in society, which has been exacerbated by social distancing measures and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults would greatly benefit from teledentistry, yet little information exists on the enablers and challenges of adopting this technology for use with this group. The aim of this scoping review is to summarise the applications and key factors associated with the adoption of teledentistry among older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS This scoping review was developed in accordance with Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review protocol guidelines. Publications on teledentistry involving direct clinical services for older adults aged 60 and above were included. Publications that focused solely on teleeducation were excluded. A systematic search was carried out on major electronic databases until 25 August 2020. Out of 1084 articles screened, 25 articles were included. Facilitators and barriers were categorised using the socio-ecological model. RESULTS/DISCUSSION Teleconsultation and telediagnosis were the most reported applications of teledentistry among older adults. Reported policy-level factors were data privacy issues (n = 7) and regulations (n = 17). Community-level facilitators and barriers included the availability of resources (n = 15) and support (n = 3). Familiar care settings (n = 2) and effective administration (n = 20) were key organisational-level factors. Staff attitudes and education (n = 23) and individual patient knowledge, attitudes and practices (n = 10) can influence teledentistry adoption while complex medical conditions (n = 8) may pose a challenge. CONCLUSION Key factors in the uptake of teledentistry among older adults span across policy, community, organisational, interpersonal and individual factors. Commonly reported barriers included technical issues, lack of funding, consent issues and cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Hui Xuan Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Health and Social Sciences (Oral Health Therapy), Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore.,Policy Research and Evaluation Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chee Weng Yong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National University Centre for Oral Health Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yew Yoong Ding
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Macoir J, Desmarais C, Martel‐Sauvageau V, Monetta L. Proactive changes in clinical practice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: Survey on use of telepractice by Quebec speech-language pathologists. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2021; 56:1086-1096. [PMID: 34455652 PMCID: PMC8652496 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to important challenges in health and education service delivery. AIMS The present study aimed to document: (i) changes in the use of telepractice by speech-language pathology (SLP) professionals in Quebec since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak; (ii) perceptions of the feasibility of telepractice by SLPs; (iii) barriers to the use of telepractice; and (iv) the perceptions of SLP professionals regarding the main issues of telepractice. METHODS & PROCEDURES An online survey with closed and open, Likert scale and demographic questions was completed by 83 SLPs in Quebec in June and July 2020. OUTCOMES & RESULTS The survey responses showed that within the cohort responding, telepractice use has increased significantly as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most respondents planned to continue using telepractice after the pandemic ends. In addition, the respondents considered telepractice to be adequate for many clinical practices but less so for others (e.g., swallowing disorders, hearing impairment). Most of the reported barriers to the use of telepractice concerned technological problems and a lack of clinical materials for online use. Confidentiality and privacy issues were also raised. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS SLP professionals rapidly took advantage of existing technologies in their clinical settings to cope with the pandemic's effects on service delivery. The discrepancy between their perceptions and the evidence in the literature for some practices and populations strengthens the need for more information and education on telepractice. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject The proportion of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Canada who use telepractice for clinical activities is unknown. Knowing this information became crucial in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic because non-essential activities were interrupted to halt the spread of the disease. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The findings from this survey study confirmed that the use of telepractice in SLP in Quebec increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the majority of the respondents began using telepractice because of the pandemic, and most planned to continue doing so after it ends. This demonstrates how SLP professionals rapidly took advantage of existing technologies in their clinical settings to cope with the pandemic's effects on service delivery. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Although the SLPs expressed an overall positive perception of telepractice, they also highlighted barriers to its optimal use. The findings of this study should help employers and regulatory bodies in Quebec to bring down those barriers and make telepractice in SLP a durable, effective and efficient service delivery model.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Macoir
- Département de réadaptation, Faculté de médecineUniversité LavalQuébecQuebecCanada
- Centre de recherche CERVO – Brain Research CentreQuébecQuebecCanada
| | - C. Desmarais
- Département de réadaptation, Faculté de médecineUniversité LavalQuébecQuebecCanada
- Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration socialeQuébecQuebecCanada
| | - V. Martel‐Sauvageau
- Département de réadaptation, Faculté de médecineUniversité LavalQuébecQuebecCanada
- Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration socialeQuébecQuebecCanada
| | - L. Monetta
- Département de réadaptation, Faculté de médecineUniversité LavalQuébecQuebecCanada
- Centre de recherche CERVO – Brain Research CentreQuébecQuebecCanada
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17
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Myasthenia gravis and telemedicine: a lesson from COVID-19 pandemic. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:4889-4892. [PMID: 34436726 PMCID: PMC8390022 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05566-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has induced an urgent reorganization of the healthcare system to ensure continuity of care for patients affected by chronic neurological diseases including myasthenia gravis (MG). Due to the fluctuating nature of the disease, early detection of disease worsening, adverse events, and possibly life-threatening complications is mandatory. This work analyzes the main unresolved issues in the management of the myasthenic patient, the possibilities offered so far by digital technologies, and proposes an online evaluation protocol based on 4 simple tests to improve MG management. Telemedicine and Digital Technology might help neurologists in the clinical decision-making process of MG management, avoiding unnecessary in presence consultations and allowing a rational use of the time and space reduced by the pandemic.
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18
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Omori F, Fujiu-Kurachi M, Iiboshi K, Yamano T. Development of a Remote Examination of Deglutition Based on Consensus Surveys of Clinicians (Part I): Selection of Examination Items. Dysphagia 2021; 37:954-965. [PMID: 34435239 PMCID: PMC8386680 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-021-10357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In order to ensure appropriateness and feasibility of examination items for remote evaluation for deglutition disorders, a questionnaire based on the Delphi method was administered to 122 speech–language–hearing therapists (STs), and a set of examination items was selected. The participants were instructed to view a video recording of a remote assessment situation and answer a 30-item questionnaire. Of 19 items ensuring the appropriateness for deglutition disorders detection, 13 items ultimately met the consensus criteria for remote feasibility. Factor analysis extracted three factors: ‘oral observation,’ ‘overall evaluation,’ and ‘perceptual voice judgment.’ In free-text responses, “quality and stability of the voice that may be heard through the device” were the most common concerns, followed by “the need to correct of the camera angle, magnification, and targets that should be projected,” “concerns about the technical aspects of the assistants and their role in relation with the examiner/ST,” and “the need for palpation as well as visual confirmation.” The proposed 13-item examination is considered to capture the characteristics of deglutition disorders, while items that appeared difficult to implement remotely were excluded. The fact that some items could be influenced by the video calling experience when judging the feasibility of remote implementation, the acceptability of such items, is likely to increase in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumitaka Omori
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fukuoka Dental College Hospital, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0193, Japan. .,Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School, 4-3 Kouzunomori, Narita-shi, Tsiba, 286-8686, Japan.
| | - Masako Fujiu-Kurachi
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School, 4-3 Kouzunomori, Narita-shi, Tsiba, 286-8686, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Iiboshi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Shigakukan University, 59-1 Murasakibaru, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima, 890-8504, Japan
| | - Takafumi Yamano
- Section of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Medicine, Fukuoka Dental College, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0193, Japan
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19
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Theodoros D. Telerehabilitation for Communication and Swallowing Disorders in Parkinson's Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:S65-S70. [PMID: 33896848 PMCID: PMC8385517 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Communication and swallowing disorders are highly prevalent in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The negative impact of these disorders on the quality of life of the person with PD and their families cannot be underestimated. Despite a demand for speech-language pathology services to support people with PD, many barriers to services exist. Telerehabilitation provides an alternate and complementary approach to in-person therapy that is patient-centered, enables timely assessment and intervention, and facilitates continuity of care throughout the course of the disease. This review explores the telerehabilitation applications designed for the management of the communication and swallowing disorders in PD, addresses the benefits and challenges of telerehabilitation, identifies future research directions, and highlights the potential of new technologies to enhance the management of communication and swallowing disorders and quality of life for people with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Theodoros
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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20
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McGill M, Siegel J, Noureal N. A Preliminary Comparison of In-Person and Telepractice Evaluations of Stuttering. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:1737-1749. [PMID: 34057858 PMCID: PMC8702842 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-19-00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare in-person and telepractice evaluations of stuttering with adult participants. The research questions were as follows: Is an evaluation for stuttering via telepractice equivalent to an in-person evaluation in terms of (a) duration of individual evaluation tasks and overall length of the evaluation, (b) clinical outcomes across evaluating clinicians, and (c) participant experience? Method Participants were 14 adults who stutter (males = 11; age range: 20-68) who were simultaneously assessed via telepractice and in-person. Comprehensive evaluations included analysis of the speaker's stuttering, evaluation of the speaker's perceptions and attitudes about stuttering, and language testing. Evaluations were administered by either an in-person clinician or a telepractice clinician but were simultaneously scored by both clinicians. Participants were randomly assigned to the in-person-led assessment condition or the telepractice-led assessment condition. Results No statistically significant differences were found between the in-person and telepractice-led evaluations in terms of overall evaluation task duration, evaluation clinical outcomes, or participants' reported experiences. That is, telepractice evaluations for stuttering in adults may be an equivalent option to in-person evaluations. Conclusions Results of this preliminary study indicate that telepractice evaluations of stuttering may be comparable to in-person evaluations in terms of duration, clinical outcomes, and participant experiences. The current study supports the notion that telepractice evaluations may be a viable option for adult clients who stutter. Clinical considerations and future directions for research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megann McGill
- Speech and Hearing Sciences Department, Portland State University, OR
| | - Jordan Siegel
- Speech and Hearing Sciences Department, Portland State University, OR
| | - Natasha Noureal
- Speech and Hearing Sciences Department, Portland State University, OR
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21
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Raatz M, Ward EC, Marshall J, Burns CL. Evaluating the Use of Telepractice to Deliver Pediatric Feeding Assessments. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:1686-1699. [PMID: 34061575 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-20-00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the interrater reliability of pediatric feeding assessments conducted via synchronous (real-time) telepractice. Secondary aims were to investigate parent and clinician satisfaction. Method The eating and/or cup drinking skills of 40 children (aged 4 months to 7 years) were simultaneously assessed by one speech-language pathologist (SLP) leading the appointment via telepractice and a second SLP present in the family home. A purpose-designed assessment form was used to assess (a) positioning, (b) development, (c) oral sensorimotor function, (d) prefeeding respiratory status, (e) observation of eating and drinking, (f) parent-child interaction, (g) overall feeding skills, and (h) feeding recommendations. The telepractice SLP completed a postappointment satisfaction questionnaire, and parents completed five questionnaires specifically investigating perceptions of and satisfaction with the telepractice feeding appointment. Results Agreement for all assessment components except intraoral examination (palate integrity and tonsils) was > 85%. All appointments were able to be conducted via telepractice, and for 90% of these (n = 36), clinicians agreed that telepractice was an effective service delivery method. Parents reported high levels of satisfaction with telepractice, with 76% reporting that the telepractice appointment was similar to a traditional in-person appointment. Conclusion Study results demonstrated that synchronous pediatric feeding assessments conducted in family homes via telepractice were feasible, reliable, and acceptable to both clinicians and parents. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14700228.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Raatz
- Speech Pathology Department, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jeanne Marshall
- Speech Pathology Department, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Clare L Burns
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Queensland, Australia
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22
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Borders JC, Sevitz JS, Malandraki JB, Malandraki GA, Troche MS. Objective and Subjective Clinical Swallowing Outcomes via Telehealth: Reliability in Outpatient Clinical Practice. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:598-608. [PMID: 33555954 DOI: 10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased the use of telehealth. Prior studies of telehealth clinical swallowing evaluations provide positive evidence for telemanagement of swallowing. However, the reliability of these measures in clinical practice, as opposed to well-controlled research conditions, remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of outcome measures derived from clinical swallowing tele-evaluations in real-world clinical practice (e.g., variability in devices and Internet connectivity, lack of in-person clinician assistance, or remote patient/caregiver training). Method Seven raters asynchronously judged clinical swallowing tele-evaluations of 12 movement disorders patients. Outcomes included the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST), Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS), and common observations of oral intake. Statistical analyses were performed to examine inter- and intrarater reliability, as well as qualitative analyses exploring patient and clinician-specific factors impacting reliability. Results Forty-four trials were included for reliability analyses. All rater dyads demonstrated "good" to "excellent" interrater reliability for measures of the TWST (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] ≥ .93) and observations of oral intake (≥ 77% agreement). The majority of TOMASS outcomes demonstrated "good" to "excellent" interrater reliability (ICCs ≥ .84), with the exception of the number of bites (ICCs = .43-.99) and swallows (ICCs = .21-.85). Immediate and delayed intrarater reliability were "excellent" for most raters across all tasks, ranging between ICCs of .63 and 1.00. Exploratory factors potentially impacting reliability included infrequent instances of suboptimal video quality, reduced camera stability, camera distance, and obstruction of the patient's mouth during tasks. Conclusions Subjective observations of oral intake and objective measures taken from the TWST and the TOMASS can be reliably measured via telehealth in clinical practice. Our results provide support for the feasibility and reliability of telehealth for outpatient clinical swallowing evaluations during COVID-19 and beyond. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13661378.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Borders
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jordanna S Sevitz
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jaime Bauer Malandraki
- Purdue I-EaT Swallowing Research Lab, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Georgia A Malandraki
- Purdue I-EaT Swallowing Research Lab, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Michelle S Troche
- Laboratory for the Study of Upper Airway Dysfunction, Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Malandraki GA, Arkenberg RH, Mitchell SS, Malandraki JB. Telehealth for Dysphagia Across the Life Span: Using Contemporary Evidence and Expertise to Guide Clinical Practice During and After COVID-19. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:532-550. [PMID: 33555933 PMCID: PMC8740558 DOI: 10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Our aim was to critically review recent literature on the use of telehealth for dysphagia during the COVID-19 pandemic and enhance this information in order to provide evidence- and practice-based clinical guidance during and after the pandemic. Method We conducted a rapid systematized review to identify telehealth adaptations during COVID-19, according to peer-reviewed articles published from January to August 2020. Of the 40 articles identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Full-text reviews were completed by three raters, followed by qualitative synthesis of the results and description of practical recommendations for the use of telehealth for dysphagia. Results Seven articles were guidelines articles, three were editorials, and one was a narrative review. One article focused on telehealth and dysphagia during COVID-19. The remaining 10 mentioned telehealth in varying degrees while focusing on dysphagia management during the pandemic. No articles discussed pediatrics in depth. The most common procedure for which telehealth was recommended was the clinical swallowing assessment (8/11), followed by therapy (7/11). Six articles characterized telehealth as a second-tier service delivery option. Only one article included brief guidance on telehealth-specific factors, such as legal safeguards, safety, privacy, infrastructure, and facilitators. Conclusions Literature published during the pandemic on telehealth for dysphagia is extremely limited and guarded in endorsing telehealth as an equivalent service delivery model. We have presented prepandemic and emerging current evidence for the safety and reliability of dysphagia telemanagement, in combination with practical guidelines to facilitate the safe adoption of telehealth during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia A. Malandraki
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Rachel Hahn Arkenberg
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Samantha S. Mitchell
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Jaime Bauer Malandraki
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
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e-Health and telemedicine implementation in facial paralysis: challenges and pitfalls. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY 2021; 44:429-434. [PMID: 33612973 PMCID: PMC7881343 DOI: 10.1007/s00238-021-01802-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
During the current Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of changes had to be made in the care of patients with facial nerve paralysis (FNP). FNP is a life-changing condition with effects on both physical (both esthetic and functional) and psychological aspects of the patient's life. Telemedicine could be a suitable alternative in the therapy for these patients, since it is often not possible to travel to outpatient clinics or to have normal face-to-face appointments with treating physicians because of pandemic restrictions. This review provides an overview of the current literature in the treatment of FNP during the pandemic and the role of telemedicine/e-Health. Secondly, we will discuss the challenges and pitfalls of implementing e-Health and telemedicine applications in clinical practice. Level of evidence: Not ratable.
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Jung SI, Lim S, Jo E, Sim HS, Sung JE, Kim YT. The Efficacy of Telepractice Intervention for Children & Adolescents with Speech, Language & Hearing Impairments: a Meta-Analysis. COMMUNICATION SCIENCES & DISORDERS 2020. [DOI: 10.12963/csd.20756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Schwarz M, Ward EC, Cornwell P, Coccetti A, D'Netto P, Smith A, Morley-Davies K. Exploring the Validity and Operational Impact of Using Allied Health Assistants to Conduct Dysphagia Screening for Low-Risk Patients Within the Acute Hospital Setting. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2020; 29:1944-1955. [PMID: 32780593 DOI: 10.1044/2020_ajslp-19-00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine (a) the agreement between allied health assistants (AHAs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) when completing dysphagia screening for low-risk referrals and at-risk patients under a delegation model and (b) the operational impact of this delegation model. Method All AHAs worked in the adult acute inpatient settings across three hospitals and completed training and competency evaluation prior to conducting independent screening. Screening (pass/fail) was based on results from pre-screening exclusionary questions in combination with a water swallow test and the Eating Assessment Tool. To examine the agreement of AHAs' decision making with SLPs, AHAs (n = 7) and SLPs (n = 8) conducted an independent, simultaneous dysphagia screening on 51 adult inpatients classified as low-risk/at-risk referrals. To examine operational impact, AHAs independently completed screening on 48 low-risk/at-risk patients, with subsequent clinical swallow evaluation conducted by an SLP with patients who failed screening. Results Exact agreement between AHAs and SLPs on overall pass/fail screening criteria for the first 51 patients was 100%. Exact agreement for the two tools was 100% for the Eating Assessment Tool and 96% for the water swallow test. In the operational impact phase (n = 48), 58% of patients failed AHA screening, with only 10% false positives on subjective SLP assessment and nil identified false negatives. Conclusion AHAs demonstrated the ability to reliably conduct dysphagia screening on a cohort of low-risk patients, with a low rate of false negatives. Data support high level of agreement and positive operational impact of using trained AHAs to perform dysphagia screening in low-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Schwarz
- Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Logan Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Petrea Cornwell
- Menzies Health Institute, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anne Coccetti
- Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Logan Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pamela D'Netto
- Speech Pathology Department, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aimee Smith
- Speech Pathology Department, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katharine Morley-Davies
- Speech Pathology Department, QEII Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Coopers Plains, Queensland, Australia
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Garg D, Dhamija RK. Teleneurorehabilitation for Parkinson's Disease: A Panacea for the Times to Come? Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2020; 23:592-597. [PMID: 33623256 PMCID: PMC7887501 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_566_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telemedicine is witnessing a rebirth due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing need for limited-contact or contactless care in medicine. Telerehabilitation, an offshoot of telemedicine, is a valuable yet underexplored tool in the therapeutic armamentarium of patients with neurological conditions, particularly Parkinson's disease (PD). Although there is evidence in literature reporting the use of telerehabilitation and virtual reality-based services in providing rehabilitation to improve speech, swallowing, gait, and postural instability among persons with PD, the evidence is limited due to small patient numbers. Teleneurorehabilitation (TNR) is an underutilized strategy that may be as effective and perhaps more feasible and affordable among Indian PD patients and also allows sustained rehabilitation. In this article, we encapsulate the evidence on the utility and efficacy of TNR among persons with PD and call upon the neurology community to recognize and utilize the valuable asset that TNR may be for PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyani Garg
- Department of Neurology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajinder K Dhamija
- Department of Neurology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
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Fong R, Tsai KCF, Tong MCF, Lee KYS. Management of Dysphagia in Nursing Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Strategies and Experiences. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 2:1361-1365. [PMID: 32838197 PMCID: PMC7433678 DOI: 10.1007/s42399-020-00464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The global 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had devastating effects not only on healthcare systems worldwide but also on different aspects of the care provided to nursing home residents. Dysphagia management is a crucial component of the care provided to many nursing home residents. This article presents the dysphagia management strategies applied in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic and the related experiences. A two-tier protection system was implemented wherein residents were categorised according to their contact and hospitalisation histories. The provided swallowing management and personal protective equipment level differed between the two tiers. The article also discusses the referral and prioritisation of clinical services for residents requiring swallowing management, as well as the adaptations of swallowing assessment and management during the pandemic. The possible effects of COVID-19 on mealtime arrangements in nursing homes, the implications of the pandemic on the use of personal protective equipment and the use of telepractice in nursing homes were also discussed. This article has summarised the actions taken in this regard and may serve as a reference to clinicians who are responsible for swallowing assessments and dysphagia management in nursing homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Fong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Human Communicative Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Michael C. F. Tong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Human Communicative Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kathy Y. S. Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Human Communicative Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Miles A, Connor NP, Desai RV, Jadcherla S, Allen J, Brodsky M, Garand KL, Malandraki GA, McCulloch TM, Moss M, Murray J, Pulia M, Riquelme LF, Langmore SE. Dysphagia Care Across the Continuum: A Multidisciplinary Dysphagia Research Society Taskforce Report of Service-Delivery During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. Dysphagia 2020; 36:170-182. [PMID: 32654059 PMCID: PMC7353832 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-020-10153-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
At the time of writing this paper, there are over 11 million reported cases of COVID-19 worldwide. Health professionals involved in dysphagia care are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in their day-to-day practices. Otolaryngologists, gastroenterologists, rehabilitation specialists, and speech-language pathologists are subject to virus exposure due to their proximity to the aerodigestive tract and reliance on aerosol-generating procedures in swallow assessments and interventions. Across the globe, professional societies and specialty associations are issuing recommendations about which procedures to use, when to use them, and how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission during their use. Balancing safety for self, patients, and the public while maintaining adequate evidence-based dysphagia practices has become a significant challenge. This paper provides current evidence on COVID-19 transmission during commonly used dysphagia practices and provides recommendations for protection while conducting these procedures. The paper summarizes current understanding of dysphagia in patients with COVID-19 and draws on evidence for dysphagia interventions that can be provided without in-person consults and close proximity procedures including dysphagia screening and telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Miles
- The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Speech Science, School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Grafton Campus, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Nadine P Connor
- Communication Sciences & Disorders; Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA
| | - Rinki Varindani Desai
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Sudarshan Jadcherla
- Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jacqui Allen
- The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Martin Brodsky
- Outcomes After Critical Illness and Surgery (OACIS) Research Group, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kendrea L Garand
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Georgia A Malandraki
- Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Timothy M McCulloch
- Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
| | - Marc Moss
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joseph Murray
- Audiology Speech Pathology Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael Pulia
- Emergency Care for Infectious Diseases (ECID) Research Program, BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
| | - Luis F Riquelme
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Barrique Speech-Language Pathology, PC, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Susan E Langmore
- Otolaryngology Head/Neck Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
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Schwarz M, Ward EC, Cornwell P, Coccetti A. Delegation models in dysphagia management: Current policy, clinical perceptions and practice patterns. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2020; 22:163-173. [PMID: 31262204 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2019.1632932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Delegation to Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) is an effective workforce solution in a number of areas of adult speech-language pathology (SLP) practice. However, reports of AHA delegation in the area of dysphagia management are limited. The aim of this study was to synthesise information from policy documents and current clinical practice to examine the nature of AHA delegation in dysphagia management.Method: A mixed method design involving a document review of 13 policy documents on AHA delegation, and a survey of 44 SLP managers regarding current delegation models.Result: Policy and current practice were largely congruent. Despite policy support for AHA delegation, 77% reported using delegation models but only 26% used them fairly often/very often in dysphagia management. Both policy and survey findings support AHA training prior to task delegation, however, the nature of training was unspecified. Good governance is integral to successful delegation and managers recognised the need to increase standardisation of AHA capability assessment.Conclusion: AHA delegation in dysphagia management is supported by policy and is being implemented in clinical services. However further work detailing governance and training requirements is needed, as well as systematic evaluation of the safety and benefits of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Schwarz
- Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Logan Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Petrea Cornwell
- Menzies Health Institute, School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anne Coccetti
- Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Logan Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Meadowbrook, Queensland, Australia
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Burns CL, Ward EC, Gray A, Baker L, Cowie B, Winter N, Rusch R, Saxon R, Barnes S, Turvey J. Implementation of speech pathology telepractice services for clinical swallowing assessment: An evaluation of service outcomes, costs and consumer satisfaction. J Telemed Telecare 2019; 25:545-551. [PMID: 31631757 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x19873248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Timely assessment of swallowing disorders (dysphagia) by speech pathologists helps minimise patient risk, optimise quality of life, and limit healthcare costs. This study involved a multi-site implementation of a validated model for conducting adult clinical swallowing assessments via telepractice and examined its service outcomes, costs and consumer satisfaction. Methods Five hub-spoke telepractice services, encompassing 18 facilities were established across a public health service. Service implementation support, including training of the telepractice speech pathologists (T-SP) and healthcare support workers in each site, was facilitated by an experienced project officer. New referrals from spoke sites were managed by the hub T-SP as per published protocols for dysphagia assessments via telepractice. Data was collected on existing service models prior to implementation, and then patient demographics, referral information, session outcomes, costs and patient and T-SP satisfaction when using telepractice. Results The first 50 sessions were analysed. Referrals were predominantly for inpatients at spoke sites. Telepractice assessments were completed successfully, with only minor technical issues. Changes to patient management (i.e. food/fluid changes post assessment) to optimise safety or progress oral intake, was required for 64% of patients. Service and cost efficiencies were achieved with an average 2-day reduction in waiting time and an average cost benefit of $218 per session when using the telepractice service over standard care. High clinician and patient satisfaction was reported. Conclusion Telepractice services were successfully introduced across multiple sites, and achieved service and cost benefits with high consumer satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L Burns
- Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Research Excellence in Telehealth, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Research Excellence in Telehealth, The University of Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy Gray
- Gayndah Community Health, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Baker
- Wide Bay Rural Allied Health & Community Health Service, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brooke Cowie
- Caboolture Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natalie Winter
- Cairns Hospital, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rukmani Rusch
- Cairns Hospital, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robyn Saxon
- Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Barnes
- Charleville Hospital, South West Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jodie Turvey
- Charleville Hospital, South West Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
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Raatz M, Ward EC, Marshall J, Burns CL. Developing the system architecture for conducting synchronous paediatric feeding assessments via telepractice. J Telemed Telecare 2019; 25:552-558. [DOI: 10.1177/1357633x19872091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Telepractice systems should be acceptable to users and meet end-user needs. Whilst the system requirements to conduct adult dysphagia assessments via telepractice are established, key differences exist between adult and paediatric swallowing assessments. This study was conducted to develop the system architecture required to conduct paediatric feeding assessments in patient homes via telepractice. Methods The study used a four-phase iterative design, informed by human-centred design principles. In Phase 1, two telepractice researchers and two paediatric feeding clinicians identified assessment tasks and explored potential system design solutions. Initial system testing was completed using clinical simulations (Phase 2). Live trials with 10 typically developing children were then conducted (Phase 3). Phase 4 involved user-centred feedback from clinicians and parents. Feedback from the development team, clinicians and parents was used to continuously refine the model. Results A combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods enabled all assessment components to be successfully completed. Clinician and parent feedback established the optimal technology (e.g. phone, tablet) and key camera positions necessary to optimise visual/auditory information for the online clinician. End-user feedback identified greater time efficiencies could be achieved through collecting some data (e.g. intra-oral pictures) via asynchronous methods prior to the session. Information sheets were deemed necessary to enhance the user experience. Clinicians and parents responded positively to the final system design. Discussion Modifications to standard videoconferencing were necessary to develop a clinically viable process for conducting paediatric feeding assessments in the home via telepractice. End-user feedback was integral to the design of the final model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Raatz
- Speech Pathology Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research (CFAHR), Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jeanne Marshall
- Speech Pathology Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Clare L Burns
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Speech Pathology & Audiology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Queensland, Australia
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Telepractice for the Delivery of Pediatric Feeding Services: A Survey of Practice Investigating Clinician Perceptions and Current Service Models in Australia. Dysphagia 2019; 35:378-388. [DOI: 10.1007/s00455-019-10042-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Tan JR, Coulson S, Keep M. Face-to-Face Versus Video Assessment of Facial Paralysis: Implications for Telemedicine. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e11109. [PMID: 30977734 PMCID: PMC6484264 DOI: 10.2196/11109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with facial nerve paralysis (FNP) experience challenges in accessing health care that could potentially be overcome by telemedicine. However, the reliability of telemedicine has yet to be established in this field. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the consistency between face-to-face and video assessments of patients with FNP by experienced clinicians. METHODS A repeated-measures design was used. A total of 7 clinicians assessed the FNP of 28 patients in a face-to-face clinic using standardized grading systems (the House-Brackmann, Sydney, and Sunnybrook facial grading systems). After 3 months, the same grading systems were used to assess facial palsy in video recordings of the same patients. RESULTS The House-Brackmann system in video assessment had excellent reliability and agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.780; principal component analysis [PCA]=87.5%), similar to face-to-face assessment (ICC=0.686; PCA=79.2%). Reliability of the Sydney system was good to excellent, with excellent agreement face-to-face (ICC=0.633 to 0.834; PCA=81.0%-95.2%). However, video assessment of the cervical branch and synkinesis had fair reliability and good agreement (ICC=0.437 to 0.597; PCA=71.4%), whereas that of other branches had good to excellent reliability and excellent agreement (ICC=0.625 to 0.862; PCA=85.7%-100.0%). Reliability of the Sunnybrook system was poor to fair for resting symmetry (ICC=0.195 to 0.498; PCA=91.3%-100.0%) and synkinesis (ICC=-0.037 to 0.637; PCA=69.6%-87.0%) but was good to excellent for voluntary movement (ICC=0.601 to 0.906; PCA=56.5%-91.3%) in face-to-face and video assessments. Bland-Altman plots indicated normal limits of agreement within ±1 between face-to-face and video-assessed scores only for the temporal and buccal branches of the Sydney system and for resting symmetry in the Sunnybrook system. CONCLUSIONS Video assessment of FNP with the House-Brackmann and Sunnybrook systems was as reliable as face-to-face but with insufficient agreement, especially in the assessment of synkinesis. However, video assessment does not account for the impact of real-time interactions that occur during tele-assessment sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Rong Tan
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Susan Coulson
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia
| | - Melanie Keep
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia
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Theodoros D, Aldridge D, Hill AJ, Russell T. Technology-enabled management of communication and swallowing disorders in Parkinson's disease: a systematic scoping review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2019; 54:170-188. [PMID: 29923267 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication and swallowing disorders are highly prevalent in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Maintenance of functional communication and swallowing over time is challenging for the person with PD and their families and may lead to social isolation and reduced quality of life if not addressed. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) face the conundrum of providing sustainable and flexible services to meet the changing needs of people with PD. Motor, cognitive and psychological issues associated with PD, medication regimens and dependency on others often impede attendance at a centre-based service. The access difficulties experienced by people with PD require a disruptive service approach to meet their needs. Technology-enabled management using information and telecommunications technologies to provide services at a distance has the potential to improve access, and enhance the quality of SLT services to people with PD. AIMS To report the status and scope of the evidence for the use of technology in the management of the communication and swallowing disorders associated with PD. METHODS & PROCEDURES Studies were retrieved from four major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Medline via Web of Science). Data relating to the types of studies, level of evidence, context, nature of the management undertaken, participant perspectives and the types of technologies involved were extracted for the review. MAIN CONTRIBUTION A total of 17 studies were included in the review, 15 of which related to the management of communication and swallowing disorders in PD with two studies devoted to participant perspectives. The majority of the studies reported on the treatment of the speech disorder in PD using Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD® ). Synchronous and asynchronous technologies were used in the studies with a predominance of the former. There was a paucity of research in the management of cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS Research evidence supporting technology-enabled management of the communication and swallowing disorders in PD is limited and predominantly low in quality. The treatment of the speech disorder online is the most developed aspect of the technology-enabled management pathway. Future research needs to address technology-enabled management of cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders and the use of a more diverse range of technologies and management approaches to optimize SLT service delivery to people with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Theodoros
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Danielle Aldridge
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anne J Hill
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Trevor Russell
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Nicola K, Waugh J, Charles E, Russell T. The feasibility and concurrent validity of performing the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2nd Edition via telerehabilitation technology. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 77:40-48. [PMID: 29656273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In rural and remote communities children with motor difficulties have less access to rehabilitation services. Telerehabilitation technology is a potential method to overcome barriers restricting access to healthcare in these areas. Assessment is necessary to guide clinical reasoning; however it is unclear which paediatric assessments can be administered remotely. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2nd Edition is commonly used by various health professionals to assess motor performance of children. AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and concurrent validity of performing the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2nd Edition remotely via telerehabilitation technology compared to the conventional in-person method. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Fifty-nine children enrolled in a state school (5-11 years old) volunteered to perform one in-person and one telerehabilitation mediated assessment. The order of the method of delivery and the therapist performing the assessment were randomized. After both assessments were complete, a participant satisfaction questionnaire was completed by each child. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS The Bland-Altman limits of agreement for the total test standard score were -3.15 to 3.22 which is smaller than a pre-determined clinically acceptable margin based on the smallest detectable change. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study establishes the feasibility and concurrent validity of the administration of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - 2nd Edition via telerehabilitation technology. Overall, participants perceived their experience with telerehabilitation positively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Nicola
- Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jemimah Waugh
- Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily Charles
- Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Trevor Russell
- Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
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Reasoning and Decision Making in Clinical Swallowing Examination. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-018-0191-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Andrenelli E, Galli FL, Gesuita R, Skrami E, Logullo FO, Provinciali L, Capecci M, Ceravolo MG, Coccia M. Swallowing impairments in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Myotonic Dystrophy type 1: Looking for the portrait of dysphagic patient in neuromuscular diseases. NeuroRehabilitation 2018; 42:93-102. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-172272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Andrenelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurorehabilitation Clinic, “Politecnica delle Marche” University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Federica Lucia Galli
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurorehabilitation Clinic, AziendaOspedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gesuita
- Center of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Medical Information Technology, “Politecnica delle Marche” University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Edlira Skrami
- Center of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Medical Information Technology, “Politecnica delle Marche” University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Ottavio Logullo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, “Politecnica delle Marche” University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Leandro Provinciali
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, “Politecnica delle Marche” University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Marianna Capecci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurorehabilitation Clinic, “Politecnica delle Marche” University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Ceravolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurorehabilitation Clinic, “Politecnica delle Marche” University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michela Coccia
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurorehabilitation Clinic, AziendaOspedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
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Morrell K, Hyers M, Stuchiner T, Lucas L, Schwartz K, Mako J, Spinelli KJ, Yanase L. Telehealth Stroke Dysphagia Evaluation Is Safe and Effective. Cerebrovasc Dis 2017; 44:225-231. [DOI: 10.1159/000478107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rapid evaluation of dysphagia poststroke significantly lowers rates of aspiration pneumonia. Logistical barriers often significantly delay in-person dysphagia evaluation by speech language pathologists (SLPs) in remote and rural hospitals. Clinical swallow evaluations delivered via telehealth have been validated in a number of clinical contexts, yet no one has specifically validated a teleswallow evaluation for in-hospital post-stroke dysphagia assessment. Methods: A team of 6 SLPs experienced in stroke care and a telestroke neurologist designed, implemented, and tested a teleswallow evaluation for acute stroke patients, in which 100 patients across 2 affiliated, urban certified stroke centers were sequentially evaluated by a bedside and telehealth SLP. Inter-rater reliability was analyzed using percent agreement, Cohen's kappa, Kendall's tau-b, and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank tests. Logistic regression models accounting for age and gender were used to test the impact of stroke severity and stroke location on agreement. Results: We found excellent agreement for both liquid (91% agreement; kappa = 0.808; Kendall's tau-b = 0.813, p < 0.001; Wilcoxon signed rank = -0.818, p = 0.417) and solid (87% agreement; kappa = 0.792; Kendall's tau-b = 0.844, p < 0.001; Wilcoxon signed rank = 0.243, p = 0.808) dietary textures. From regression modeling, there is suggestive but inconclusive evidence that higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores correlate with lower levels of agreement for liquid diet recommendations (OR [95% CI] 0.895 [0.793-1.01]; p = 0.07). There was no impact of NIHSS score for solid diet recommendations and no impact of stroke location on solid or liquid diet recommendations. Qualitatively, we identified professional, logistical, technical, and patient barriers to implementation, many of which resolved with experience over time. Conclusions: Dysphagia evaluation by a remote SLP via telehealth is safe and effective following stroke. We plan to implement teleswallow across our multistate telestroke network as standard practice for poststroke dysphagia evaluation.
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Application of telepractice for head and neck cancer management: a review of speech language pathology service models. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017; 25:169-174. [DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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First Step in Telehealth Assessment: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effectiveness of an Electronic Case History Form for Dysphagia. Dysphagia 2017; 32:548-558. [DOI: 10.1007/s00455-017-9798-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Worboys T, Brassington M, Ward EC, Cornwell PL. Delivering occupational therapy hand assessment and treatment sessions via telehealth. J Telemed Telecare 2017; 24:185-192. [PMID: 29278981 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x17691861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Telehealth offers a solution to assist delivery of occupational therapy (OT) services for hand therapy in rural and remote locations. However, there is currently no evidence to validate this service model. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of clinical decisions made during hand therapy sessions conducted via telehealth compared to a traditional clinical model (TCM) assessment, and explore patient and clinician satisfaction. Methods Eighteen patients referred for hand therapy to a rural/remote hospital-based outpatient service were assessed simultaneously via telehealth and a TCM assessment. An allied health assistant supported data collection at the patient end. Hand function was assessed using a range of objective measures, subjective scales and patient reported information. Minimal level of percent exact agreement (PEA) between the telehealth OT (T-OT) and the TCM-OT was set at ≥80%. Results Level of agreement for all objective measures (dynamometer and pinch gauge reading, goniometer flexion and extension, circumference in millimetres) ranged between 82% and 100% PEA. High agreement (>80% PEA) was also obtained for judgements of scar and general limb function, exercise compliance, pain severity and sensitivity location, activities of daily living and global ratings of change (GROC) scores. There was 100% PEA for overall recommendations. Minimal technical issues were experienced. Patient and clinician satisfaction was high. Discussion Clinical decisions made via telehealth were comparable to the TCM and consumers were satisfied with telehealth as a service option. Telehealth offers the potential to improve access to hand therapy services for rural and remote patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Worboys
- Occupational Therapy Department, Charleville Hospital, South West Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melinda Brassington
- Occupational Therapy Department, Charleville Hospital, South West Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
- The University of Queensland, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Petrea L Cornwell
- Allied Health Research Collaborative, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
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Malandraki GA, Kantarcigil C. Telehealth for Dysphagia Rehabilitation: The Present and the Future. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1044/persp2.sig18.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Dysphagia affects about nine million adults and half a million children annually in the United States alone, and its prevalence is only projected to increase as the baby boomer generation grows older. For many individuals who live in rural or underserved areas, accessing a speech-language pathologist (SLP) with expertise in dysphagia can be challenging. Telehealth appears to be a viable solution to address the needs of individuals living in these areas, and for patients and clinicians with mobility/access limitations. This article provides an overview of the current research evidence in dysphagia telehealth and identifies research and clinical practice gaps as well as potential solutions. Our aim is to provide foundational knowledge for dysphagia clinicians who are interested in entering the telehealth arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia A. Malandraki
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN
| | - Cagla Kantarcigil
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University West Lafayette, IN
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Iacono T, Stagg K, Pearce N, Hulme Chambers A. A scoping review of Australian allied health research in ehealth. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:543. [PMID: 27716325 PMCID: PMC5050606 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1791-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uptake of e-health, the use of information communication technologies (ICT) for health service delivery, in allied health appears to be lagging behind other health care areas, despite offering the potential to address problems with service access by rural and remote Australians. The aim of the study was to conduct a scoping review of studies into the application of or attitudes towards ehealth amongst allied health professionals conducted in Australia. Methods Studies meeting inclusion criteria published from January 2004 to June 2015 were reviewed. Professions included were audiology, dietetics, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, social work, and speech pathology. Terms for these professions and forms of ehealth were combined in databases of CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO (1806 – Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid) and AMED (Ovid). Results Forty-four studies meeting inclusion criteria were summarised. They were either trials of aspects of ehealth service delivery, or clinician and/or client use of and attitudes towards ehealth. Trials of ehealth were largely from two research groups located at the Universities of Sydney and Queensland; most involved speech pathology and physiotherapy. Assessments through ehealth and intervention outcomes through ehealth were comparable with face-to-face delivery. Clinicians used ICT mostly for managing their work and for professional development, but were reticent about its use in service delivery, which contrasted with the more positive attitudes and experiences of clients. Conclusion The potential of ehealth to address allied health needs of Australians living in rural and remote Australia appears unrealised. Clinicians may need to embrace ehealth as a means to radicalise practice, rather than replicate existing practices through a different mode of delivery. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1791-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Iacono
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, PO Box 199, Bendigo, VIC, 3550, Australia.
| | - Kellie Stagg
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, PO Box 199, Bendigo, VIC, 3550, Australia
| | - Natalie Pearce
- La Trobe University, PO Box 199, Bendigo, VIC, 3550, Australia
| | - Alana Hulme Chambers
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Docker Street, Wangaratta, VIC, 3677, Australia
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Kantarcigil C, Sheppard JJ, Gordon AM, Friel KM, Malandraki GA. A telehealth approach to conducting clinical swallowing evaluations in children with cerebral palsy. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 55:207-217. [PMID: 27132060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate and timely evaluation of dysphagia in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is critical. For children with limited access to quality healthcare, telehealth is an option; however, its reliability needs to be investigated. AIM To test the reliability of an asynchronous telehealth model for evaluating dysphagia in children with CP using a standardized clinical assessment. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Nineteen children (age range 6.9-17.5) were assessed at three mealtimes via the Dysphagia Disorder Survey (DDS) by three clinicians (face-to-face evaluations). Mealtimes were video-recorded to allow asynchronous evaluations by a remote clinician who also completed approximately 1/3 of face-to-face evaluations. Agreement was tested on DDS variables and dysphagia severity. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Results revealed substantial to excellent agreement between face-to-face and remote assessments by the same rater (78-100%, KW=0.64-1) on all, but two variables (oral transport and oral pharyngeal swallow) and by different raters (69-89%, KW=0.6-0.86) on all but one variable (orienting). For dysphagia severity, intrarater agreement was excellent (100%, KW=1); interrater agreement was substantial (85%; KW=0.76). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Asynchronous clinical swallowing evaluations using standardized tools have acceptable levels of agreement with face-to-face evaluations, and can be an alternative for children with limited access to expert swallowing care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cagla Kantarcigil
- Purdue University, Lyles-Porter Hall, 715 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Justine Joan Sheppard
- Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Andrew M Gordon
- Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| | - Kathleen M Friel
- Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Georgia A Malandraki
- Purdue University, Lyles-Porter Hall, 715 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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Sutherland R, Trembath D, Hodge A, Drevensek S, Lee S, Silove N, Roberts J. Telehealth language assessments using consumer grade equipment in rural and urban settings: Feasible, reliable and well tolerated. J Telemed Telecare 2016; 23:106-115. [DOI: 10.1177/1357633x15623921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Telehealth can be an effective way to provide speech pathology intervention to children with speech and language impairments. However, the provision of reliable and feasible standardised language assessments via telehealth to establish children’s needs for intervention and to monitor progress has not yet been well established. Further, there is limited information about children’s reactions to telehealth. This study aimed to examine the reliability and feasibility of conducting standardised language assessment with school-aged children with known or suspected language impairment via a telehealth application using consumer grade computer equipment within a public school setting. Method Twenty-three children (aged 8–12 years) participated. Each child was assessed using a standardised language assessment comprising six subtests. Two subtests were administered by a speech pathologist face-to-face (local clinician) and four subtests were administered via telehealth. All subtests were completed within a single visit to the clinic service, with a break between the face to face and telehealth sessions. The face-to-face clinician completed behaviour observation checklists in the telehealth and face to face conditions and provided feedback on the audio and video quality of the application from the child’s point of view. Parent feedback about their child’s experience was elicited via survey. Results There was strong inter-rater reliability in the telehealth and face-to-face conditions (correlation coefficients ranged from r = 0.96–1.0 across the subtests) and good agreement on all measures. Similar levels of attention, distractibility and anxiety were observed in the two conditions. Clinicians rated only one session of 23 as having poor audio quality and no sessions were rated as having poor visual quality. Parent and child reactions to the use of telehealth were largely positive and supportive of using telehealth to assess rural children. Discussion The findings support the use of telehealth in the language assessment of school-aged children using a web application and commercially available computer equipment. This reliable and innovative service delivery model has the potential to be used by speech pathologists to provide assessments to children in remote communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sutherland
- Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, Australia
- NSW Centre for Effective Reading & Child Development Unit, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia
| | | | - Antoinette Hodge
- NSW Centre for Effective Reading & Child Development Unit, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia
| | - Suzi Drevensek
- NSW Centre for Effective Reading & Child Development Unit, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia
| | - Sabrena Lee
- NSW Centre for Effective Reading & Child Development Unit, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia
| | - Natalie Silove
- NSW Centre for Effective Reading & Child Development Unit, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Australia
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Theodoros DG, Hill AJ, Russell TG. Clinical and Quality of Life Outcomes of Speech Treatment for Parkinson's Disease Delivered to the Home Via Telerehabilitation: A Noninferiority Randomized Controlled Trial. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2016; 25:214-232. [PMID: 27145396 DOI: 10.1044/2015_ajslp-15-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the noninferiority and validity of an intensive speech treatment for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) delivered via telerehabilitation to the home. The effect of location on online delivery was also investigated. METHOD In this single-blinded, randomized controlled noninferiority trial, 31 participants with dysarthria associated with PD from a metropolitan area were randomly assigned to either face-to-face or online Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD). A cohort of 21 participants from nonmetropolitan areas was also recruited and treated online. Outcomes were assessed using acoustic, perceptual, and quality of life measures. RESULTS Noninferiority of online treatment was confirmed through comparable clinical and quality of life outcomes for the metropolitan online and face-to-face treatment groups. Significant improvements posttreatment were achieved for several acoustic, perceptual, and quality of life measures across the groups. No significant effect of online treatment location was identified. CONCLUSIONS Clinical and quality of life outcomes supported the noninferiority and validity of online delivery of intensive speech treatment to people with PD in the home. Future research should address the implementation of online treatment in a clinical service, cost analyses, and potentially technology-enabled clinical pathways for people with PD in order to maintain optimal communication and quality of life.
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Burns CL, Ward EC, Hill AJ, Phillips N, Porter L. Conducting Real-Time Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study via Telepractice: A Preliminary Feasibility and Reliability Study. Dysphagia 2016; 31:473-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s00455-016-9701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Regina Molini-Avejonas D, Rondon-Melo S, de La Higuera Amato CA, Samelli AG. A systematic review of the use of telehealth in speech, language and hearing sciences. J Telemed Telecare 2015; 21:367-76. [DOI: 10.1177/1357633x15583215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Introduction We conducted a systematic literature review to investigate the domain of speech-language and hearing sciences (SLHS) in telehealth. Methods The databases used for the literature search were Web of Knowledge, Pubmed, Scopus, Embase and Scielo. The inclusion criteria consisted of papers published up to August 2014. Papers without peer-review evaluation, and those without abstracts or available full texts were excluded. Results A total of 103 papers were selected. The selected studies have focused primarily on hearing (32.1%), followed by speech (19.4%), language (16.5%), voice (8.7%), swallowing (5.8%), multiple areas (13.6%) and others (3.9%). The majority of the studies focused on assessment (36.9%) or intervention (36.9%). The use of telehealth in SLHS has been increasing in many countries, especially in the last 5 years. The country with the largest number of published studies was the United States of America (32.03%), followed by Australia (29.12%). The remaining studies were distributed in lower numbers among other countries. Discussion The advancement of information and communication technologies provides more favourable conditions for providing distance care in several areas. Most of studies concluded that the telehealth procedure had advantages over the non-telehealth alternative approach (85.5%); however, 13.6% reported that it was unclear whether the telehealth procedure had advantages. Some barriers still need to be overcome, such as technology, training, regulation, acceptance and recognition of the benefits of this practice by the public and professionals. The need for speech-language pathologists and audiologists to adapt to this new health care modality is evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Regina Molini-Avejonas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silmara Rondon-Melo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cibelle Albuquerque de La Higuera Amato
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Giannella Samelli
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract
A closed-ended intensive pediatric swallowing telepractice program was developed and piloted in one pediatric patient with Opitz BBB/G and Asperger's Syndromes, oropharyngeal dysphagia and aerophagia. The present study is a case report. Outcome variables included behavioral, swallowing and quality of life variables, and were assessed at baseline and at the end of the four-week program. Selective variables were also assessed at a follow-up family interview four weeks post program completion. Over the four-week intervention period, the patient demonstrated substantial improvements in: oral acceptance of eating-related objects and a variety of foods (behavioral variable), timing of voluntary saliva swallows and aerophagia levels (swallowing variables) and quality of life. Follow-up interview analysis showed that most skills were retained or improved one-month post intervention. This intensive telepractice program proved to be feasible and effective for this pediatric patient with dysphagia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia A Malandraki
- Department Of Biobehavioral Sciences, Program of Speech and Language Pathology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA ; Dysphagia Research Clinic, Edward D. Mysak Clinic for Communication Disorders, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melissa Roth
- Department Of Biobehavioral Sciences, Program of Speech and Language Pathology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Justine Joan Sheppard
- Department Of Biobehavioral Sciences, Program of Speech and Language Pathology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA ; Dysphagia Research Clinic, Edward D. Mysak Clinic for Communication Disorders, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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