Telehealth technology applications in speech-language pathology

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Telehealth technology
• Communication disorders

Background:

• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) face barriers to telehealth adoption, including reimbursement, licensure, and privacy laws.
• Transitioning face-to-face practices to telehealth requires careful consideration of costs, resources, and patient needs.
• Understanding technology's role is crucial for establishing telehealth as a standard of care in speech-language pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To overview the current technological infrastructure and procedures for telehealth in speech-language pathology.
• To identify the challenges and opportunities associated with telehealth applications in SLP.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted for telehealth publications in speech-language pathology.
• Included only peer-reviewed articles published between 2008 and 2013 to reflect current technological advancements.

Main Results:

• Most reviewed articles utilized hybrid methodologies to maintain traditional service standards.
• Common technological components included computers, web cameras, headsets with microphones, and internet connectivity.
• Audio and visual disturbances were mainly linked to videoconferencing.

Conclusions:

• Advanced technology presents limitations in telehealth application.
• Technological adversities were not cited as reasons for service discontinuation by practitioners or patients.
• Supplemental asynchronous technology effectively addressed real-time instabilities in telehealth services.