Swallowing disorders, or dysphagia, are a significant concern, especially in pediatric populations. Traditional face-to-face therapy poses risks, particularly during infectious disease outbreaks. Telerehabilitation offers a promising alternative. The study, conducted by Soyama et al. (2023), explored the feasibility of telerehabilitation for dysphagia in COVID-19 patients, demonstrating significant improvements in swallowing abilities and ensuring safety for healthcare providers.
Key Findings from the Study
- Telerehabilitation was conducted for 20 minutes daily, including both indirect and direct swallowing training.
- Patients showed significant improvement in swallowing abilities, as assessed by the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA).
- There was no spread of infection to the medical staff, underscoring the safety of telerehabilitation.
- Improvements in swallowing were correlated with the number of telerehabilitation sessions.
Implications for Practitioners
For speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with children, these findings offer valuable insights. Here are some actionable steps to implement telerehabilitation effectively:
- Structured Sessions: Plan 20-minute daily sessions that include a mix of indirect (e.g., swallowing self-exercises) and direct (e.g., posture adjustments) training.
- Use of Technology: Utilize tablet cameras for visual assessments. Ensure high-quality video conferencing tools to minimize disruptions.
- Safety Protocols: Adhere to strict infection control measures, including the use of stickers for visual markers and personal protective equipment for any necessary in-person interactions.
- Continuous Monitoring: Regularly assess swallowing abilities using standardized tools like EAT-10 and MASA to track progress and adjust therapy as needed.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study presents promising results, it also highlights the need for further research. Larger, controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings and explore the versatility of telerehabilitation across different populations and conditions.
Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of research. Collaborate with colleagues, share your findings, and participate in studies to refine and expand the use of telerehabilitation in speech-language pathology.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: FEASIBILITY STUDY ON SWALLOWING TELEREHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019.
