Clinical Expertise/Expert Opinion

 

Consensus Guidelines

No consensus guidelines were found.

 

 

 

 

Client/Patient/Caregiver Perspectives

 

Assessment of Communication and Swallowing Post-Laryngectomy: A Telerehabilitation Trial Ward, E., Crombie, J., et al. (2009). Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 15(5), 232-7. Added: July 2011

 

Description

This study examines the use of an internet-based telerehabilitation system to assess stoma and voice prosthesis in 10 individuals post head and neck cancer. Satisfaction from clinicians and individuals receiving remote speech-language pathology services is reported. 

 

Conclusions

• Visualization of stoma, tissue transduction and visualization of voice prosthesis were simultaneously measured in face-to-face and remote settings. Although voice measures did not reach a clinically acceptable level of agreement, the authors found "[b]oth the remote and the face-to-face clinician were in complete agreement regarding recommendations for management of patients" (p. 234).
• "All patients rated their satisfaction with the remote assessment highly and felt that it was similar to face-to-face assessment" (p. 235).
• Nine out of 10 indicated that they would utilize telehealth services again and eight out of 10 remarked on the convenience telehealth service delivery provided.
• Ninety percent of participants reported adequate audio and visual quality of remote assessment.

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Assessment of Communication and Swallowing Function Post Laryngectomy: A Telerehabilitation Trial Ward, L., White, J., et al. (2007). Journal of Telemedicine & Telecare, 13(S3), 88-91.  Added: July 2011

 

Description

This study examines the use of an internet-based telerehabilitation system for the evaluation and treatment of 20 individuals post head and neck cancer. Satisfaction from clinicians and individuals receiving internet-based and face-to-face speech-language pathology services is reported. 

 

Conclusions

• Patients reported high degrees of satisfaction (100%) with usability of telerehabilitation services.
• Seventy percent of clinicians were satisfied with level of service provided in telehealth setting.
• Only thirty-five percent of clinicians were satisfied with audio and visual quality of the system and "only 20% agreed they were able to use the system to assess the patient to the best of their ability'' (p. 91).
• During the online assessment, clinicians reported difficulties with viewing stoma and ill-fitting voice prosthesis due to lack of lighting and web camera focus capabilities.

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