The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth across various healthcare disciplines, including speech-language pathology (SLP). A recent study titled "Telehealth Management of Dysphagia in Adults: A Survey of Speech Language Pathologists Experiences and Perceptions" offers valuable insights into the use of telehealth for dysphagia management. This blog will discuss the key findings of the study and how practitioners can leverage these insights to improve their telehealth skills.
Key Findings
The study surveyed 235 SLPs to explore telehealth usage patterns, clinician confidence, and perceived effectiveness in managing dysphagia during the pandemic. Here are some significant findings:
- Telehealth Usage: Prior to the pandemic, only 12.3% of respondents had used telehealth for dysphagia management. This number surged to 50.2% during the pandemic.
- Clinician Confidence: Clinician confidence in telehealth services increased from 17.3% at the start of the pandemic to 66.1% at the time of the survey.
- Perceived Effectiveness: The perceived effectiveness of telehealth services also doubled, from 33.7% to 67.3%.
- Challenges: Key challenges included inadequate technological infrastructure, patient digital literacy, and reimbursement restrictions.
- Benefits: Telehealth facilitated treatment continuity, improved access to care, and offered time savings.
Improving Telehealth Skills
To improve telehealth skills for dysphagia management, practitioners can consider the following recommendations based on the study's findings:
1. Leverage Experience and Training
Years of experience with dysphagia management and prior telehealth experience were significantly associated with higher usage rates. Engaging in specific telehealth training and utilizing published guidelines can enhance clinician confidence and effectiveness.
2. Utilize Facilitators
Facilitators, such as caregivers or nurses, can assist with technology setup, food preparation, and administering bolus trials. Their presence can significantly enhance the effectiveness of telehealth sessions.
3. Address Technological Barriers
Investing in robust technological infrastructure and providing patients with the necessary equipment can mitigate many challenges. Additionally, offering training to both clinicians and patients can improve digital literacy and ease of use.
4. Advocate for Reimbursement Policies
Reimbursement restrictions were a significant barrier. Advocacy at both state and federal levels is essential to ensure that telehealth services are reimbursed, making them a viable long-term option.
Future Directions
The study highlights the potential for telehealth to become an integrated model of care for dysphagia management. Future research should focus on developing smarter, more accessible telehealth platforms and exploring the experiences of multiple stakeholders, including patients and caregivers.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
Telehealth Management of Dysphagia in Adults: A Survey of Speech Language Pathologists Experiences and Perceptions.
