Development of an e-Health Software for Speech and Swallowing Rehabilitation Following Laryngectomy

We present data from a feasibility study where patients following laryngectomy and/or hemi-laryngectomy received speech and swallowing rehabilitation via a newly designed e-health software.

Patients were recruited during their stay at the hospital and were equipped with a tablet upon discharge. Alternatively, patients who already underwent training but did not improve significantly were included to receive a more intense training. The training protocol comprised asynchronous (e.g., self-assessment and pre-defining training protocols) and synchronous (e.g., video communication) therapies; participation lasted for 8 weeks. General demographic parameters, as well as specific parameters (quality of life, speech comprehensibility) were assessed pre- and post-interventional.

Our cohort consisted of eight patients (mean age: 69 years.) Essential outcome parameters improved significantly (weight, comprehensibility for syllables).

Our feasibility study showed that our software is safe and easy-to-use and can be easily integrated into patients' everyday lives. Key parameters such as weight and comprehensibility improved after just 8 weeks of training.

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