Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare > Volume 15, Number 5 > Pp. 232-237

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RESEARCH Original articles

Assessment of communication and swallowing post-laryngectomy: a telerehabilitation trial

Elizabeth Ward ^* , Jane Crombie , Megan Trickey , Anne Hill ^*, Deborah Theodoros ^* and Trevor Russell ^*

^* School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland; Speech Pathology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Queensland; Speech Pathology Department, Cairns Base Hospital, Queensland, Australia

Correspondence: Associate Professor Elizabeth Ward, Division of Speech Pathology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia (Fax: +61 7 3365 1877; Email: liz.ward{at}uq.edu.au)

Ten laryngectomy patients were assessed using a purpose-designed, multimedia videoconferencing system incorporating a freestanding, self-focusing camera. Swallowing, stoma and communication status were assessed simultaneously by a remote clinician and face-to-face, by a second clinician at the patient's site. The remote trial took place over a distance of approximately 1700 km using a commercial 3G phone network. A satisfaction questionnaire was also completed. There was excellent agreement between the two assessing clinicians. Image quality obtained via the freestanding camera was rated as lower than direct observation, but it was sufficient to assess the stoma and status of the voice prosthesis. During the trial, occasional difficulties with audio delays and image distortion were experienced, although these were manageable. Both patient and clinician satisfaction with remote assessment was high. The results provide further evidence to support the use of telerehabilitation for evaluating the speech and swallowing status of laryngectomy patients following discharge from acute care.

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