Telehealth are health services provided over the internet. Some refer to this practice as telemedicine or telepractice while others are more specific using terms like online speech therapy. Whatever you call it, research shows it is a valid method of providing high quality voice therapy for those experiencing a voice disorder.
The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association published an article in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology of a study designed to test the effectiveness of telehealth in the treatment of voice disorders. Included in the study were people experiencing vocal nodules, edema, unilateral vocal fold paralysis and vocal hyperfunction. In all fifty-one people participated in this study to its conclusion.
Their goal was to measure voice quality, acoustic analysis of voice, patient satisfaction and fiber-optic laryngoscopy through perceptual judgments. It was reported that there was no difference in the outcome measures between traditional speech therapy telehealth speech therapy. Further, it was reported that 100% reported a positive experience with telehealth services, with some saying:
"It's the best effort of having a one-on-one relationship with the clinician that would otherwise not be available to those of us who serve at sea or away from a medical facility. The program was very helpful and user friendly."
"The video sessions were just as good. It made it more interesting to see technology playing a part in medical sessions."
It was noted that some participants, who were in the traditional speech therapy group, were forced to withdraw from the study. This was due to active military duty such as; deployments or relocation to a new base or duty station. Some had to withdraw because of their work schedules and two because a medical condition took precedence over therapy. It was noted that if these participants had been in the telehealth group therapy could have continued for these participants. For those with medical conditions that took precedence, they could have received therapy at home without the strain and stress of going to the clinic. Because therapy is held over the internet, those with work schedules that prevented them from keeping regular appointments could have also benefited from teleheath as there is no drive time involved. They could have received therapy at home or work, if necessary. These same benefits hold true for military personnel as well, they could be stationed anywhere and have continued their speech therapy.
The benefits of telehealth are plentiful. One mentioned by the authors of this study is that therapy is provided in the patient's least restrictive environment. In others words, it is provided in the most naturalistic setting. Our natural surroundings allow for a more accurate representation of our daily lives and this helps foster participation of family members. Others include no driving to the clinic saving time and gas, no waiting in the waiting room which also saves time and the ability to have therapy anywhere there is an internet connection such the person can complete therapy after work or during their lunch break or at home at their convenience. In addition, they are able to complete activities between sessions helping to promote progress.
Another study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information reported that after conducting a study with 51 participants both the traditional speech therapy group and the telehealth group showed improvement with no differences reported between the two groups.
The potential for providing voice therapy via telehealth is substantial. There are limitations to who would benefit from this type of therapy. Those with limited attention spans or severe cognitive impairment may not be appropriate candidates for this type of therapy. In addition, those requiring manipulation of the larynx would not be able to participate in telehealth as the clinician needs to manually move the patient's larynx.
In conclusion, the studies included here report that telehealth offers the same high quality speech therapy showing the same results as those achieved in traditional speech therapy. Thus making speech therapy telehealth a valid option for those seeking speech therapy for voice disorders.
