A pilot trial of a speech pathology telehealth service for head and neck cancer patients

Abstract

We explored the feasibility of providing access to specialist speech pathology services via telehealth for patients with head and neck cancer. A weekly telehealth clinic was conducted between the speech pathology departments of a tertiary hospital and a regional hospital in Queensland. Over a 5-month period, 50 telehealth sessions were conducted for 18 patients. There were 38 patient consultations, nine case discussions between clinicians and three clinical training sessions relating to the skills needed for specific client management (e.g. voice prosthesis selection). Eight sessions had multidisciplinary involvement. All cases were successfully managed via telehealth. All patients agreed that they were comfortable using telehealth and would be happy to use it again in future. Both clinicians agreed that they could competently assess patients using the telehealth system. There appeared to be financial benefits for the patient, because by receiving specialist intervention at a local facility their travel expenses were lower. There was also the opportunity for workforce training and development through online case discussion and clinical consultation.

Telehealth Technology Applications in Speech-Language Pathology

“…The facilitator's role was to perform tasks under the SLP practitioner's direction, to evaluate and relay haptic and/or missed information to the SLP professional, and to adjust the equipment as necessary. 20,25 Similar technology was used for swallowing and communication evaluations with head and neck cancer 1 3.5-Mbps 3G wireless phone network 24 and 1 Mbps. 1 External cameras captured high-quality video and still images.…”

“…20,25 Similar technology was used for swallowing and communication evaluations with head and neck cancer 1 3.5-Mbps 3G wireless phone network 24 and 1 Mbps. 1 External cameras captured high-quality video and still images. Hand-held medical cameras (Flexi dock 200; Inline Medical and Dental Pty., Sydney, Australia) with general imaging and intraoral probes were also used for close examination of the stoma and oral cavity.…”

“…Hand-held medical cameras (Flexi dock 200; Inline Medical and Dental Pty., Sydney, Australia) with general imaging and intraoral probes were also used for close examination of the stoma and oral cavity. 1 Split-screen imaging allowed simultaneous viewing of the participant and the SLP practitioner. 1,24 Additional lighting sources enhanced visualization of examined structures.…”

Telehealth Stroke Dysphagia Evaluation Is Safe and Effective

“…Telehealth clinical swallow evaluations have been shown to be safe and reliable in a number of clinical contexts, including post-laryngectomy, head and neck cancer, mild cognitive impairment, general dysphagia, and pediatric dysphagia [3,4,5,6,7]. The majority of previous teleswallow research studies have utilized simultaneous assessment through videoconferencing between a face-to-face and online SLP.…”

“…The majority of previous teleswallow research studies have utilized simultaneous assessment through videoconferencing between a face-to-face and online SLP. In addition to evaluation, tele-rehabilitation for swallowing has been successful in head and neck cancer patients [4]. In recent years, SLPs and patients have become interested and feel comfortable in using telehealth [4,8,9].…”