Does the Availability of Tele-Health Improve Patient Compliance with Speeh and Swallow Therapy?

Introduction: Speech Language therapy is a cornerstone of speech and swallow rehabilitation after many ailments impacting the upper aerodigestive tract. However, therapy is only effective if patients are able to participate. During the COVID-19 pandemic teletherapy became widely available. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the impact of the availability of teletherapy on patient participation.

Methods: This is a retrospective chart review comparing patient participation in recommended speech and swallow therapy during 2022, before the availability of teletherapy to that in 2024 with the option of teletherapy in a tertiary care academic otolaryngology practice. Charts for each patient referred to speech language therapy were reviewed for demographics, distance traveled to the institution, diagnosis, type of therapy recommended, number of therapy visits attended virtually or in person and insurance type.

Results: In 2022, 266 patients were referred to speech language pathology, in 2024 this number was 386. A significantly greater percentage of patients attended initial SLP evaluation when teletherapy was an available option in 2024 (45% vs. 56% p=0.00). Additionally, from the 2024 cohort patients who participated in teletherapy were significantly younger than those who participated in in person therapy (p=0.02). Patients who participated in therapy were significantly more likely to have a history of head and neck cancer than those who did not participate either virtually or in person (p=0.05).

Conclusions: The availability of teletherapy in this tertiary care academic practice has improved patient participation rates. This is a valuable offering that positively impacts patient outcomes and quality of life. While teletherapy may not be as effective as in person therapy, especially for swallow therapy, it remains a valuable part of the treatment armamentarium.