Poster Presentation COSA-IPOS Joint Scientific Meeting 2012

Consumer engagement and satisfaction with a speech pathology telehealth service supporting patients with head and neck cancer (#826)

Clare Burns 1 , Professor Liz Ward 2 , Dr Anne Hill 3 , Karen Malcolm 4 , Lynell Bassett 1 , Franca Del Rosso 5 , Dr Liz Kenny 6 , Phillip Greenup 7
  1. Speech Pathology Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Queensland Health , Brisbane , QLD , Australia
  2. Centre for Functioning and Health Research , Queensland Health , Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  3. School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland , Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  4. Speech Pathology Department, Nambour General Hospital , Queensland Health , Nambour , QLD, Australia
  5. Office of CEO, Metro North, Queensland Health , Brisbane , QLD, Australia
  6. Central Integrated Regional Cancer Services, Queensland Health , Brisbane , QLD , Australia
  7. Statewide Telehealth Services , Queensland Health , Brisbane , QLD , Australia

Purpose
In head and neck (H&N) cancer, the majority of services are delivered at metropolitan centres where Speech Pathologists provide specialist management of swallowing and communication difficulties. For patients living in non-metropolitan areas, there can be significant financial and emotional costs with ongoing access to these specialist services and challenges for the local clinician in supporting this complex clinical population. Following on from prior research, demonstrating the potential for telehealth in speech pathology management (Ward et al, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012), the current project evaluates the consumer engagement of 6 month pilot telehealth service providing specialist speech pathology support for H&N cancer management within Queensland Health.

Methodology
A dedicated weekly telehealth clinic was established for patients with H&N cancer between the speech pathology departments of a metropolitan health service (RBWH) and a regional health service (Nambour General Hospital). A range of services were provided including pre-treatment counselling, early intervention and post treatment follow up. Along with service data, questionnaires were completed by patients, their carers and the participating clinicians to evaluate satisfaction with the telehealth service and any workforce training benefits achieved.

Results
Fifty telehealth sessions were conducted. Overall patients were satisfied with the service, stating a preference for attending the telehealth session, that the telehealth session was equal to a face to face session and reporting financial and time benefits. Carers also reported the telehealth service assisted and reassured them in their caring role. Clinicians reported the telehealth system supported the clinical assessment and for the majority of patients assessed, telehealth would be a more efficient means of service. Significant workforce training benefits were also achieved.

Conclusions
A coordinated telehealth service improves patient access to specialist speech pathology services, enhances patient and carer satisfaction and provides strategic staff training. These outcomes will support the expansion of telehealth services for allied health cancer management.