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Christopoulou M, Drosos K, Petinou K. Recent Advances of Telepractice for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Speech and Language Pathology. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:2379-2389. [PMID: 36268266 PMCID: PMC9578460 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s384300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Telepractice or teletherapy is defined as the means of service delivery via technology-based platforms that allow long-distance interventions across populations, age spans, and geographical locations. Specifically, telepractice capitalizes on communication technologies such as online modules, videoconferencing, and computerized software programs, in servicing populations with communication challenges. Notably, telepractice has emerged as a potentially effective, low-cost, and promising means of conducting and completing online assessment, diagnosis, and intervention sessions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Moreover, telepractice allows the inclusion of parents, caregivers, and educators as potential facilitators in supporting treatment delivery in populations with ASD. This thematic review article aims to highlight and acquaint practitioners and other stakeholders with relatively recent information regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the telepractice service delivery model in ASD. Furthermore, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted service delivery in the field of Health Sciences including speech and language pathology (SLP). Consequently, the need to avoid face-to-face therapy sessions, recommended to SLPs as to all health practitioners, resulted in the call for adaptation and adjustment of service telepractice. This paper attempts to answer this call by suggesting supplementing traditional diagnostic and therapy resources with training modules consisting of online materials and use of animated and specially designed programs in SLP intervention with individuals with ASD. Lastly, the paper includes a discussion of research findings in the field, a conclusion, and a take-home message.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Christopoulou
- Speech and Language Pathology Program, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos Drosos
- Speech and Language Pathology Program, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kakia Petinou
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Nayak RB, Bhatia T, Mahadevaiah M, Bheemappa A. Effectiveness of Psychological Intervention by Videoconference for Family Members with Depression of Farmers Who Have Committed Suicide. Indian J Psychol Med 2020; 42:S46-S50. [PMID: 33487802 PMCID: PMC7802029 DOI: 10.1177/0253717620972917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In India two thirds of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. The suicide rate for farmers throughout the world is higher than the non-farming population with India being no exception. Family members of the household where a member has committed suicide are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety and suicide. There is a paucity of trained counsellors in India, while there is sufficient research showing counselling and therapy through videoconferencing is just as effective as in-person therapy. It is however, not commonly practiced in India, especially in rural settings. We propose to evaluate psychiatric morbidity and assess feasibility and effectiveness of videoconferencing for family members of farmers who had committed suicide. OBJECTIVES The objective is to evaluate family members of farmers who have committed suicide for psychiatric morbidity and psychosocial risk factors. We aim to identify depression, anxiety and suicidal risk in family members and then administer psychological intervention through video-conferencing for depression to study its effectiveness in the cohort. METHODOLOGY The data on completed farmer suicide would be collected from district authorities and police departments. Home visit would be made by research staff to assess the risk factors for the farmers who completed suicide. Family members would be screened for anxiety and depression and severity of depression and suicidal ideas would be rated. The family members having mild to moderate depression would be randomised and CBT based psychological intervention (5 sessions) over three months would be given by trained psychologist through videoconferencing. The outcome would be measured at the end of six months. CONCLUSIONS Psychological interventions through video-conference might be beneficial in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in family members of the farmers who have committed suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Triptish Bhatia
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Centre of Excellence in Mental Health, ABVIMS, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | - A. Bheemappa
- Dept. of Agricultural Extn. Education, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India
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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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Coleman JJ, Frymark T, Franceschini NM, Theodoros DG. Assessment and Treatment of Cognition and Communication Skills in Adults With Acquired Brain Injury via Telepractice: A Systematic Review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2015; 24:295-315. [PMID: 25836020 DOI: 10.1044/2015_ajslp-14-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This is a systematic review of assessment and treatment of cognitive and communicative abilities of individuals with acquired brain injury via telepractice versus in person. The a priori clinical questions were informed by previous research that highlights the importance of considering any functional implications of outcomes, determining disorder- and setting-specific concerns, and measuring the potential impact of diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy data on interpretation of findings. METHOD A literature search of multiple databases (e.g., PubMed) was conducted using key words and study inclusion criteria associated with the clinical questions. RESULTS Ten group studies were accepted that addressed assessment of motor speech, language, and cognitive impairments; assessment of motor speech and language activity limitations/participation restrictions; and treatment of cognitive impairments and activity limitations/participation restrictions. In most cases, equivalence of outcomes was noted across service delivery methods. CONCLUSIONS Limited findings, lack of diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy data, and heterogeneity of assessments and interventions precluded robust evaluation of clinical implications for telepractice equivalence and the broader area of telepractice efficacy. Future research is needed that will build upon current knowledge through replication. In addition, further evaluation at the impairment and activity limitation/participation restriction levels is needed.
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Hepburn SL, Blakeley-Smith A, Wolff B, Reaven JA. Telehealth delivery of cognitive-behavioral intervention to youth with autism spectrum disorder and anxiety: A pilot study. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2015; 20:207-18. [PMID: 25896267 DOI: 10.1177/1362361315575164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Youth with autism spectrum disorders frequently experience significant symptoms of anxiety. Empirically supported psychosocial interventions exist, yet access is limited, especially for families in rural areas. Telehealth (i.e. videoconferencing) has potential to reduce barriers to access to care; however, little is known about the feasibility or efficacy of directly intervening with youth with autism spectrum disorders through this modality. This study details the pilot testing of a telehealth version of an empirically supported intervention targeting anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders. The primary focus of this study is on feasibility, with evaluation of outcomes as a starting point for future randomized trials. In all, 33 families of youth with autism spectrum disorders and significant anxiety symptoms participated in this study (Telehealth Facing Your Fears (FYF) Intervention: n = 17; Wait-list control: n = 16). Youth of all functioning levels were included. Acceptability was strong; however, the usability of the technology was problematic for some families and impeded some sessions significantly. Fidelity of the telehealth version to the critical elements of the original, in vivo version was excellent. More work is needed to improve delivery of exposure practices and parent coaching. Preliminary efficacy analyses are promising, with improvements observed in youth anxiety over time (relative to a comparison group waiting for live intervention) and parent sense of competence (within group). Clearly, stronger designs are necessary to evaluate efficacy sufficiently; however, this study does provide support for further investigation of clinic-to-home videoconferencing as a direct intervention tool for youth with autism spectrum disorders and their parents.
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Ward EC, Burns CL, Theodoros DG, Russell TG. Impact of dysphagia severity on clinical decision making via telerehabilitation. Telemed J E Health 2014; 20:296-303. [PMID: 24443927 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2013.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent research supports the proposal that valid and reliable clinical swallow examinations (CSEs) can be conducted via telerehabilitation. However, no studies have explored whether dysphagia severity has an impact on the success of the session or its outcomes. The current study examined how dysphagia severity impacted on either (a) clinical decision making for safety of oral intake or (b) clinician perceptions of CSEs conducted via telerehabilitation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS One hundred patients (25 nondysphagics and 25 mild, 25 moderate, and 25 severe dysphagics) were assessed using a telehealth system and methodology reported in prior research. For each assessment, the online and face-to-face (FTF) clinicians simultaneously completed a structured CSE. On session completion, the online clinician indicated level of agreement with two statements regarding the level of rapport and ability to competently assess the patient. RESULTS In each of the four groups, acceptable levels of agreement were observed between raters for the three primary outcomes (decisions regarding oral/nonoral intake and safe food and fluids) as well as over 90% of the CSE items. Clinicians agreed they could develop good rapport with the majority of patients in all groups. However, for a small but significant (p<0.5) proportion of patents in the severe dysphagic group, clinicians disagreed they were able to satisfactorily and competently assess to the best of their abilities using the telerehabilitation system. CONCLUSIONS Clinical decisions made during and as an outcome of the total CSE were found to be comparable to those made in the FTF environment regardless of dysphagia severity. Clinicians noted some difficulty assessing patients with greater complexity, which occurred in greater numbers in the group with severe dysphagia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Ward
- 1 School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland , Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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In-person versus telehealth assessment of discourse ability in adults with traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2013; 27:424-32. [PMID: 22190010 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0b013e31823346fc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare in-person versus telehealth (TH) assessment of discourse ability in adults with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN Repeated-measures design with random order of conditions. PARTICIPANTS Twenty adults with moderate-to-severe TBI. METHOD Participants completed conversation, picture description, story-generation, and procedural description tasks. Sessions were video-recorded and transcribed. MEASURES Measures of productivity and quality of discourse. RESULTS Significant differences between conditions were not detected in this sample, and feedback from participants was positive. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results support the use of TH for the assessment of discourse ability in adults with TBI, at least for individuals with sufficient cognitive skills to follow TH procedures.
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Chumbler NR, Quigley P, Sanford J, Griffiths P, Rose D, Morey M, Ely EW, Hoenig H. Implementing telerehabilitation research for stroke rehabilitation with community dwelling veterans: lessons learned. Int J Telerehabil 2010; 2:15-22. [PMID: 25945169 PMCID: PMC4296788 DOI: 10.5195/ijt.2010.6047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Telerehabilitation (TR) is the use of telehealth technologies to provide distant support, rehabilitation services, and information exchange between people with disabilities and their clinical providers. This article discusses the barriers experienced when implementing a TR multi-site randomized controlled trial for stroke patients in their homes, and the lessons learned. The barriers are divided into two sections: those specific to TR and those pertinent to the conduct of tele-research. The TR specific barriers included the rapidly changing telecommunications and health care environment and inconsistent equipment functionality. The barriers applicable to tele-research included the need to meet regulations in diverse departments and rapidly changing research regulations. Lessons learned included the need for: telehealth equipment options to allow for functionality within a diverse telecommunications infrastructure; rigorous pilot testing of all equipment in authentic situations; and on-call and on-site biomedical engineering and/or IT staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neale R Chumbler
- VA HSR&D Center of Excellence on Implementing Evidence Based Practice (CIEBP), Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, IN ; Department of Sociology, Indiana University School of Liberal Arts, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN ; VA HSR&D Stroke Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) Program, Richard L. Roudebush VAMC, Indianapolis, IN ; Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Jon Sanford
- Atlanta VA Rehab R&D Center, Atlanta VAMC, Atlanta GA
| | - Patricia Griffiths
- Atlanta VA Rehab R&D Center, Atlanta VAMC, Atlanta GA ; Emory University School of Medicine, Div. of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Dorian Rose
- University of Florida, College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, FL
| | - Miriam Morey
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC ; Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham VAMC, Durham, NC
| | - E Wesley Ely
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN ; Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Helen Hoenig
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Durham VAMC, Durham, NC ; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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