Asynchronous Telehealth for Dysphagia Management: Evidence, Possibilities, and Practical Examples

Dysphagia, which affects a significant portion of the population, poses serious health risks and diminishes quality of life. The growing demand for dysphagia services often outpaces the availability of specialized clinicians, particularly in underserved areas. This clinical focus article explores asynchronous telehealth as a promising solution to help in bridging this gap, as a supplemental service delivery model that can improve access to timely and equitable dysphagia care.We reviewed various forms of asynchronous telehealth, including store-and-forward consultations, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health applications, highlighting their unique advantages and considerations for dysphagia management. We present emerging evidence supporting the utility of these approaches and examine their potential to address barriers to current clinical practice. Furthermore, we address the challenges associated with asynchronous telehealth implementation and offer practical case studies that illustrate its successful application in diverse clinical settings.

This clinical focus article concludes by outlining future directions for research and development in asynchronous telehealth for dysphagia, emphasizing its potential to enhance access to dysphagia-related services and improve the lives of individuals with swallowing disorders.