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Concept Development and Use of an Automated Food Intake and Eating Behavior Assessment Method
Published on: February 19, 2021
Developing the system architecture for conducting synchronous paediatric feeding assessments via telepractice
Madeline Raatz1,2, Elizabeth C Ward2,3, Jeanne Marshall1,2
1Speech Pathology Department, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia.
Insights
This study developed a telepractice system for pediatric feeding assessments, integrating clinician and parent feedback for an optimal home-based experience. The refined system enhances efficiency and user satisfaction for remote pediatric care.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Medicine
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Telepractice systems for adult dysphagia assessment are established, but pediatric feeding assessments present unique challenges.
- Existing telepractice solutions require adaptation for the specific needs of pediatric feeding evaluations.
- Developing a specialized telepractice system is crucial for effective remote pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop a system architecture for conducting pediatric feeding assessments via telepractice in patient homes.
- To address the key differences between adult and pediatric swallowing assessments in a telepractice setting.
- To create a user-acceptable and effective telepractice solution for pediatric feeding evaluations.
Main Methods:
- A four-phase, human-centered iterative design approach was employed.
- Involved telepractice researchers, pediatric feeding clinicians, clinical simulations, and live trials with children.
- Incorporated continuous user feedback from clinicians and parents throughout the development process.
Main Results:
- A hybrid approach using synchronous and asynchronous methods facilitated all assessment components.
- Optimal technology (phones, tablets) and camera positions were identified through clinician and parent feedback.
- End-user feedback led to incorporating asynchronous data collection for improved time efficiency and positive reception of the final design.
Conclusions:
- Modifications to standard videoconferencing are essential for a clinically viable pediatric feeding telepractice assessment.
- End-user feedback was critical in refining the system architecture for successful home-based telepractice.
- The developed telepractice system is a promising solution for remote pediatric feeding assessments.
Introduction:
Telepractice systems should be acceptable to users and meet end-user needs. Whilst the system requirements to conduct adult dysphagia assessments via telepractice are established, key differences exist between adult and paediatric swallowing assessments. This study was conducted to develop the system architecture required to conduct paediatric feeding assessments in patient homes via telepractice.
Methods:
The study used a four-phase iterative design, informed by human-centred design principles. In Phase 1, two telepractice researchers and two paediatric feeding clinicians identified assessment tasks and explored potential system design solutions. Initial system testing was completed using clinical simulations (Phase 2). Live trials with 10 typically developing children were then conducted (Phase 3). Phase 4 involved user-centred feedback from clinicians and parents. Feedback from the development team, clinicians and parents was used to continuously refine the model.
Results:
A combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods enabled all assessment components to be successfully completed. Clinician and parent feedback established the optimal technology (e.g. phone, tablet) and key camera positions necessary to optimise visual/auditory information for the online clinician. End-user feedback identified greater time efficiencies could be achieved through collecting some data (e.g. intra-oral pictures) via asynchronous methods prior to the session. Information sheets were deemed necessary to enhance the user experience. Clinicians and parents responded positively to the final system design.
Discussion:
Modifications to standard videoconferencing were necessary to develop a clinically viable process for conducting paediatric feeding assessments in the home via telepractice. End-user feedback was integral to the design of the final model.
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