With the advent of increasingly accessible Internet-based technologies, it is not difficult to envision a future wherein the practice of telerehabilitation (TR) is the norm, rather than an innovative exception. The latest issue of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) focuses on three powerful delivery systems: Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP); YouTube; and e-mail. These technologies are revolutionizing the way clinicians deliver rehabilitation services, including speech-language pathology.
Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Clinicians are increasingly employing VoIP systems such as Skype, Adobe ConnectNow, and ooVoo to conduct telepractice sessions. This is not surprising, as VoIP systems can offer inexpensive and easy ways to deliver telerehabilitation services. However, how might a telerehabilitation clinician determine if their VoIP system is truly secure and private? Valerie Watzlaf, a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), and colleagues Sohrab Moeini and Patti Firouzan address this question. They present HIPAA-based criteria for both therapists and healthcare facilities to consider. Their findings suggest that therapists must weigh the risks and benefits when deciding to use VoIP software for TR. Key considerations include:
- Ensuring the VoIP system is HIPAA-compliant.
- Evaluating the encryption standards of the VoIP service.
- Assessing the vendor's policies on data storage and sharing.
YouTube as a Tool for Telerehabilitation
Another excellent contribution to this issue concerns the application of new media. M. Hunter Manasco, Nicholas Barone, and Amanda Brown describe the potential role of YouTube in telerehabilitation. Their innovative efforts suggest possibilities that therapists from all rehabilitation disciplines might consider. YouTube can be utilized to:
- Create and share instructional videos for patients and caregivers.
- Demonstrate therapeutic exercises and techniques.
- Provide a platform for patient testimonials and success stories.
These applications can enhance patient engagement and provide a valuable resource for continuous learning and practice outside of scheduled therapy sessions.
Email Intervention Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Min Jung Kim, Julie A.G. Stierwalt, and Leonard L. LaPointe consider the use of email intervention following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Their insightful and detailed review of the literature, and elegant, evidence-based case reports are not to be missed. Email interventions can be particularly useful for:
- Maintaining communication with patients between sessions.
- Providing written instructions and feedback.
- Tracking patient progress and adherence to therapeutic activities.
This method offers a low-cost, efficient way to extend the reach of therapeutic interventions and support patient recovery.
A Blueprint for Telerehabilitation Guidelines
Finally, IJT is honored to publish a White Paper generated by the American Telemedicine Association's Telerehabilitation Special Interest Group: A Blueprint for Telerehabilitation Guidelines. This document provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure the effective and ethical delivery of telerehabilitation services. Key elements include:
- Standards for technology and equipment.
- Protocols for patient assessment and treatment.
- Guidelines for data security and patient confidentiality.
These guidelines serve as a valuable resource for practitioners seeking to implement or enhance their telerehabilitation services.
Call to Action
As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest advancements and research in telerehabilitation. Implementing these insights can significantly improve the quality of care we provide to our patients. I encourage you to explore the full range of articles and findings presented in this volume of IJT. To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
Editors Note: Volume Overview.
