In the article titled "Editors Note," Cohn and Cason (2015) provide an overview of research that explores the efficacy of teletherapy in various clinical settings. This blog post aims to help practitioners improve their skills by implementing these research outcomes and encouraging further investigation into teletherapy's potential.
Key Findings and Their Applications
1. Chronic Aphasia Treatment
Steele et al. (2014) evaluated the role of teletherapy and online language exercises in treating chronic aphasia. Their findings indicate that teletherapy can be just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy sessions. For practitioners, this means:
- Offering teletherapy as a viable option for patients with chronic aphasia.
- Incorporating online language exercises into treatment plans to enhance patient engagement and outcomes.
2. In-Home Pulmonary Telerehabilitation
Marquis et al. (2014) investigated whether improvements are maintained after in-home pulmonary telerehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The results showed sustained improvements, suggesting that:
- Telerehabilitation can be an effective long-term treatment option for patients with chronic conditions.
- Regular follow-ups and continuous monitoring are crucial for maintaining patient progress.
3. Stuttering Intervention
Valentine (2014) evaluated three service delivery models—direct, hybrid, and telepractice—for stuttering intervention within the context of two case studies. The findings highlight that:
- Telepractice can be as effective as direct and hybrid models, offering flexibility for both practitioners and patients.
- Customization of service delivery models based on individual patient needs can lead to better outcomes.
4. Telepractice in Rural Schools
Lincoln et al. (2014) presented the results of a preliminary qualitative investigation for telepractice in rural schools in Australia. The study found that:
- Telepractice can bridge the gap in service delivery in underserved areas.
- Collaboration with local educators and parents is essential for the success of telepractice programs.
5. Privacy and Security in Teletherapy
Peterson and Watzlaf (2014) developed schemas for privacy and security analyses for store-and-forward applications in physical and occupational therapy. Practitioners should:
- Implement robust privacy and security measures to protect patient data.
- Stay updated on the latest regulations and best practices in teletherapy security.
Encouraging Further Research
While the findings from these studies are promising, they also highlight the need for ongoing research to optimize teletherapy practices. Practitioners are encouraged to:
- Conduct their own research to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting teletherapy.
- Stay informed about the latest developments in teletherapy by reading relevant journals and attending professional conferences.
By implementing the outcomes of these studies and continuing to explore new avenues for research, practitioners can significantly enhance the quality of care they provide to their patients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Editors Note.
