The research article titled "Estimating the cost and value of functional changes in communication ability following telepractice treatment for aphasia" provides critical insights for practitioners aiming to enhance their therapeutic interventions. The study, conducted by Jacobs and Ellis (2021), underscores the importance of evaluating both the cost and the value of functional improvements in patients with aphasia, particularly through telepractice methods.
Aphasia, a condition that affects communication abilities, often requires long-term rehabilitation. Traditional face-to-face therapy can be costly and inaccessible for many. This study focused on the cost-effectiveness of telepractice treatments, making it highly relevant for modern therapeutic settings, especially those like TinyEYE that provide online therapy services to schools.
Key Findings
- Cost-Effectiveness: The average cost of improvement in functional communication (measured through NOMS comprehension and verbal expression) ranged between $1,128 and $1,152 per patient.
- Improvement Rates: 75% of patients showed improvement in NOMS comprehension, while 45% improved in NOMS verbal expression.
- Demographic Influences: African Americans were twice as likely to experience improvement compared to Whites, and each additional year of education slightly increased the likelihood of improvement.
- Quality of Communication Life (QCL): The monetary equivalent of improved QCL far exceeded the financial cost of treatment, ranging between $1,790.39 and $3,912.54.
Implementing Findings in Practice
Practitioners can leverage these findings to enhance their therapeutic approaches in several ways:
- Focus on Cost-Effectiveness: Emphasize telepractice treatments, which have been shown to be cost-effective and accessible.
- Targeted Interventions: Customize therapy plans based on demographic factors such as age, education, and race to maximize improvement rates.
- Measure Functional Outcomes: Utilize tools like NOMS and ASHA QCL to assess functional communication improvements and the value of therapy from the patient's perspective.
Encouraging Further Research
This study is a significant step toward understanding the cost and value of aphasia treatments, but further research is needed. Practitioners are encouraged to explore additional studies to validate these findings and to investigate other variables that may impact treatment outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Estimating the cost and value of functional changes in communication ability following telepractice treatment for aphasia.
