Evaluation of a Clinical Service Model for Dysphagia Assessment via Telerehabilitation

Emerging research supports the feasibility and viability of conducting clinical swallow examinations (CSE) for patients with dysphagia via telerehabilitation. However, minimal data has been reported to date regarding the implementation of such services within the clinical setting or the user percept...

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Main Authors: Elizabeth C. Ward, Clare L. Burns, Deborah G. Theodoros, Trevor G. Russell
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2013-01-01
Series:International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/918526
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spelling doaj-131baac1d89e46e0b18b987547a40ef12020-11-24T21:47:29ZengHindawi LimitedInternational Journal of Telemedicine and Applications1687-64151687-64232013-01-01201310.1155/2013/918526918526Evaluation of a Clinical Service Model for Dysphagia Assessment via TelerehabilitationElizabeth C. Ward0Clare L. Burns1Deborah G. Theodoros2Trevor G. Russell3The University of Queensland, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, AustraliaSpeech Pathology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, AustraliaThe University of Queensland, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, AustraliaThe University of Queensland, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, AustraliaEmerging research supports the feasibility and viability of conducting clinical swallow examinations (CSE) for patients with dysphagia via telerehabilitation. However, minimal data has been reported to date regarding the implementation of such services within the clinical setting or the user perceptions of this type of clinical service. A mixed methods study design was employed to examine the outcomes of a weekly dysphagia assessment clinic conducted via telerehabilitation and examine issues relating to service delivery and user perceptions. Data was collected across a total of 100 patient assessments. Information relating to primary patient outcomes, session statistics, patient perceptions, and clinician perceptions was examined. Results revealed that session durations averaged 45 minutes, there was minimal technical difficulty experienced, and clinical decisions made regarding primary patient outcomes were comparable between the online and face to face clinicians. Patient satisfaction was high and clinicians felt that they developed good rapport, found the system easy to use, and were satisfied with the service in over 90% of the assessments conducted. Key factors relating to screening patient suitability, having good general organization, and skilled staff were identified as facilitators for the service. This trial has highlighted important issues for consideration when planning or implementing a telerehabilitation service for dysphagia management.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/918526
collection DOAJ
language English
format Article
sources DOAJ
author Elizabeth C. Ward
Clare L. Burns
Deborah G. Theodoros
Trevor G. Russell
spellingShingle Elizabeth C. Ward
Clare L. Burns
Deborah G. Theodoros
Trevor G. Russell
Evaluation of a Clinical Service Model for Dysphagia Assessment via Telerehabilitation
International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications
author_facet Elizabeth C. Ward
Clare L. Burns
Deborah G. Theodoros
Trevor G. Russell
author_sort Elizabeth C. Ward
title Evaluation of a Clinical Service Model for Dysphagia Assessment via Telerehabilitation
title_short Evaluation of a Clinical Service Model for Dysphagia Assessment via Telerehabilitation
title_full Evaluation of a Clinical Service Model for Dysphagia Assessment via Telerehabilitation
title_fullStr Evaluation of a Clinical Service Model for Dysphagia Assessment via Telerehabilitation
title_full_unstemmed Evaluation of a Clinical Service Model for Dysphagia Assessment via Telerehabilitation
title_sort evaluation of a clinical service model for dysphagia assessment via telerehabilitation
publisher Hindawi Limited
series International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications
issn 1687-6415
1687-6423
publishDate 2013-01-01
description Emerging research supports the feasibility and viability of conducting clinical swallow examinations (CSE) for patients with dysphagia via telerehabilitation. However, minimal data has been reported to date regarding the implementation of such services within the clinical setting or the user perceptions of this type of clinical service. A mixed methods study design was employed to examine the outcomes of a weekly dysphagia assessment clinic conducted via telerehabilitation and examine issues relating to service delivery and user perceptions. Data was collected across a total of 100 patient assessments. Information relating to primary patient outcomes, session statistics, patient perceptions, and clinician perceptions was examined. Results revealed that session durations averaged 45 minutes, there was minimal technical difficulty experienced, and clinical decisions made regarding primary patient outcomes were comparable between the online and face to face clinicians. Patient satisfaction was high and clinicians felt that they developed good rapport, found the system easy to use, and were satisfied with the service in over 90% of the assessments conducted. Key factors relating to screening patient suitability, having good general organization, and skilled staff were identified as facilitators for the service. This trial has highlighted important issues for consideration when planning or implementing a telerehabilitation service for dysphagia management.
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/918526
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