Management of Communication Disorders Using Family Member Input, Group Treatment, and Telerehabilitation
By Baron, Christine; Hatfield, Brooke; Georgeadis, Amy; Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 49-56Publication Date: Spring 2005
Article discusses three techniques designed to enhance speech-language pathology practice outcomes: (1) maximizing family member input, (2) providing group treatment, and (3) providing treatment in remote, functional settings using telepractice technology. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines telepractice as “the application of telecommunications technology to deliver professional services at a distance by linking clinician to client, or clinician to clinician for assessment, intervention, and/or consultation.” Telepractice can be used to provide access to health care for people who live in rural, inaccessible areas, or can provide a practical solution for people with mobility issues. The Remote Speech-Language Cognitive-Communication Treatment (RESPECT) software package is described. The RESPECT program was designed by researchers at the Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital in Salem, New Hampshire, and utilizes videoconferencing technology in order to provide the clinician with the ability to deliver quality treatment to clients in remote location. Clinicians can convert paper/pencil documents into digital format, while the client can interact with the doctor’s materials on his or her computer through the shared application. The authors discuss the importance of utilizing such efficient, practical technologies in speech-language pathology treatment and assessment practices.
Published by: Thomas Land Publishers, Inc. (Website:http://www.thomasland.com)
National Stroke Association (Web Site: http://www.stroke.org )
