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Maximizing Success in Telemedicine Voice Therapy: Insights from Recent Research

Maximizing Success in Telemedicine Voice Therapy: Insights from Recent Research

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine across various healthcare services, including voice therapy. A recent study titled "Provider and Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine Voice Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic" provides valuable insights that can help practitioners improve their telemedicine services. Here, we will discuss key findings from the study and offer practical tips for implementing these insights to enhance telemedicine voice therapy.

Understanding the Study

The study aimed to investigate both patient and provider satisfaction with virtual voice therapy. Conducted at the USC Voice Center, the study included 226 adults who underwent telemedicine voice therapy between April and October 2020. Patient satisfaction was measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), while provider satisfaction was assessed via VAS.

Key Findings

Practical Tips for Practitioners

Based on these findings, here are some practical tips for improving telemedicine voice therapy:

1. Ensure Reliable Internet Connection

One of the most significant factors influencing patient satisfaction was the reliability of the internet connection. Ensure that both you and your patients have a stable and high-speed internet connection. Providing resources or tutorials on how to optimize internet settings can also be beneficial.

2. Pre-Therapy Diagnostic Imaging

The study found that provider satisfaction was lower when diagnoses changed after the initiation of therapy. To avoid this, ensure that diagnostic imaging is conducted before starting voice therapy sessions. This will provide a clearer understanding of the patient's condition and help in developing a more effective treatment plan.

3. Cultural Sensitivity

Provider satisfaction was lower for sessions with Asian patients. This highlights the need for culturally sensitive care. Ensure that language barriers are minimized and consider cultural nuances when interacting with patients from diverse backgrounds.

4. Educate Patients on Self-Administered Techniques

Patients with hypofunctional diagnoses reported higher satisfaction compared to those with hyperfunctional diagnoses, possibly due to the need for manual therapy. Develop and provide educational materials to help patients perform self-administered techniques effectively.

5. Use Validated Satisfaction Measures

While patient satisfaction was measured using both VAS and TSQ, provider satisfaction was assessed only via VAS. Developing and utilizing a validated questionnaire for provider satisfaction can offer more comprehensive insights and help in improving telemedicine services.

Conclusion

The study supports the effectiveness of telemedicine voice therapy, with both patients and providers reporting high levels of satisfaction. By focusing on reliable internet connections, pre-therapy diagnostic imaging, cultural sensitivity, patient education, and validated satisfaction measures, practitioners can enhance the quality of telemedicine voice therapy.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Provider and Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine Voice Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic.


Citation: Kim, M. E., Sund, L. T., Morton, M., Kim, J., Choi, J. S., & Castro, M. E. (2022). Provider and Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine Voice Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Voice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.07.009
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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