Home-based telehealth service for swallowing and nutrition management following head and neck cancer treatment
Author(s)
Collins, Annette
Burns, Clare L
Ward, Elizabeth C
Comans, Tracy
Blake, Claire
Kenny, Lizbeth
Greenup, Phil
Best, Daniel
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2017
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Introduction: Following (chemo)radiotherapy (C/RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC), patients return to hospital for regular
outpatient reviews with speech pathology (SP) and nutrition and dietetics (ND) for acute symptom monitoring, nutritional
management, and swallowing and communication rehabilitation. The aim of the current study was to determine the feasibility of
a home-based telehealth model for delivering SP and ND reviews, to provide patients with more convenient access to these
appointments.
Methods: Service outcomes, costs, and consumer satisfaction were examined across 30 matched participants: 15 supported
via the ...
View more >Introduction: Following (chemo)radiotherapy (C/RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC), patients return to hospital for regular outpatient reviews with speech pathology (SP) and nutrition and dietetics (ND) for acute symptom monitoring, nutritional management, and swallowing and communication rehabilitation. The aim of the current study was to determine the feasibility of a home-based telehealth model for delivering SP and ND reviews, to provide patients with more convenient access to these appointments. Methods: Service outcomes, costs, and consumer satisfaction were examined across 30 matched participants: 15 supported via the standard model of care (SMOC), and 15 via the home-based telehealth model of care (TMOC). Results: All patients were successfully managed via telehealth. The TMOC was more efficient, with a reduced number (p ¼ 0.003) and duration (p < 0.01) of appointments required until discharge. Significant patient cost savings (p ¼ 0.002) were reported for the TMOC due to decreased travel requirements. While staff costs were reduced, additional telehealth equipment levies resulted in a lower but non-significant overall cost difference to the health service when using the TMOC. High satisfaction was reported by all participants attending the TMOC. Discussion: The findings support the feasibility of a home-based telehealth model for conducting SP and ND reviews post C/RT for HNC.
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View more >Introduction: Following (chemo)radiotherapy (C/RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC), patients return to hospital for regular outpatient reviews with speech pathology (SP) and nutrition and dietetics (ND) for acute symptom monitoring, nutritional management, and swallowing and communication rehabilitation. The aim of the current study was to determine the feasibility of a home-based telehealth model for delivering SP and ND reviews, to provide patients with more convenient access to these appointments. Methods: Service outcomes, costs, and consumer satisfaction were examined across 30 matched participants: 15 supported via the standard model of care (SMOC), and 15 via the home-based telehealth model of care (TMOC). Results: All patients were successfully managed via telehealth. The TMOC was more efficient, with a reduced number (p ¼ 0.003) and duration (p < 0.01) of appointments required until discharge. Significant patient cost savings (p ¼ 0.002) were reported for the TMOC due to decreased travel requirements. While staff costs were reduced, additional telehealth equipment levies resulted in a lower but non-significant overall cost difference to the health service when using the TMOC. High satisfaction was reported by all participants attending the TMOC. Discussion: The findings support the feasibility of a home-based telehealth model for conducting SP and ND reviews post C/RT for HNC.
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Journal Title
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
Volume
23
Issue
10
Subject
Biomedical engineering
Health services and systems
Public health