Is Online Speech Therapy Effective?

Online Speech Therapy (often called Tele-health in research studies) has been shown to be effective and often better in treating many conditions. Studies have looked at comparing online Speech Therapy vs seeing the clinician in person, often referred to face-to-face therapy.

Research shows us that Online Speech Therapy has shown be effective and has high levels of satisfaction for clients.

If you are interested in whether Online Speech Therapy is effective in your condition please see the relevant research below.

Is Online Speech Therapy effective for Language difficulties (Aphasia)?

The Efficacy of Telepractice on Expressive Language Outcomes for Adults with Aphasia: A Systematic Review Morgan Bailey B.S., Lauren Burningham, B.S., B.A., Erin Fifield, B.A (2018)

This study examined whether online Speech Therapy produces positive expressive language outcomes that are comparable to face-to-face therapy for adults with aphasia. They looked at all studies that have compared online Speech Therapy to face-to-face.

The results indicated that online therapy produces similar outcomes when compared to traditional face-to-face therapy.  Most studies showed positive patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Is Online Speech Therapy effective for Dysarthria (Slurred Speech)?

Telemed J E Health 2009 Nov;15(9):840-50.The Redesign and Re-Evaluation of an Internet-Based Telerehabilitation System for the Assessment of Dysarthria in AdultsAnne J Hill 1, Deborah G Theodoros, Trevor G Russell, Elizabeth C Ward

 This study showed high levels of satisfaction from patients being assessed Online. It also showed good strength of agreement between Online Speech Therapy in comparison to face – to –face assessment.

Is Online Speech Therapy effective for dysphagia (Swallowing difficulties)?

Morrell, K., Hyers, M., Stuchiner, T., Lucas, L., Schwartz, K., Mako, J., Spinelli, K. J. & Yanase, L. (2017). Telehealth Stroke Dysphagia Evaluation Is Safe and Effective. Cerebrovascular Diseases, 44 (3-4), 225-231. 10.1159/000478107.

 For swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) 100 patients were assessed comparing face to face with Tele-health (online speech therapy assessment) showing excellent agreement between therapists. This study indicated that online speech therapy was a safe and effective way to deliver dysphagia assessments online.

Evaluation of a Clinical Service Model for Dysphagia Assessment via Telerehabilitation. Elizabeth C. Ward,1,2 Clare L. Burns,3 Deborah G.Theodoros,l and Trevor G. Russell1

100 patients were assessed online and face to face. Results for swallowing difficulties were comparable to face to face assessment. There were high levels of patient satisfaction and patients felt comfortable with online assessment.

 Is Online Speech Therapy effective for Voice?

Voice Therapy Using Telecommunications Technology Pauline A. Mashima et al. American Journal of Speech Language Pathology. Vol 12. 2003.

This study showed that there was no difference in face-to-face outcomes vs online therapy. All patients had positive changes following rehabilitation for their voice through speech therapy.

 The effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment therapy issued interactively through an iPad device: A non-inferiority study. Journal of Tele-medicine and Tele-care. 2017 Murray Griffin et al.

Lee Silverman treatment is the recommended Speech Therapy treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. It is intensive requiring four sessions a week for four weeks. For those people that struggle to travel, online therapy is ideal. This study even showed that online showed superior improvements than face-to-face therapy.

 Is Online Therapy effective for Stammering?

Research is in its infancy for stammering and online therapy. An NHS trust completed an improvement project in 2018 that looked at treating patients using online Therapy. The Therapy showed a reduction in the negative impact of stammering and many clients preferred therapy in their home environment rather than in a clinical setting.  

What is Aphasia?

 How is aphasia caused?

 Aphasia is caused by damage to the language areas of the brain. In most people, this is typically the left hand side of the brain. It is most commonly caused by a stroke or a brain injury. It can also be caused by progressive disorders such as brain tumors.

How does aphasia affects communication?

 It can affect a persons understanding, speaking, reading and writing. Symptoms can vary in severity from people not being able to express themselves by any means, to milder symptoms of a delay in accessing words. However, even mild symptoms can have an impact on peoples confidence requiring Speech Therapy.

Does aphasia go away?

 It depends on the cause and severity of the aphasia. If it is caused by a brain injury and stroke, it is likely to improve. If it is caused by a progressive disorder this is means that it will unfortunately not improve.

Can aphasia be cured?

Speech therapy aims to restore a persons language through exercises but also support them

Can Aphasia be treated?

The treatment for Aphasia is with Speech and Language Therapy. Evidence shows that Speech Therapy is effective for people with Aphasia following a stroke, compared to no therapy.

How can you help someone with Aphasia?

After an assessment, a Speech Therapist will be able to give you specific advice about the best ways in which to communicate.

Below is some general guidance:  

• Give the person plenty of time to respond. If a person with Aphasia feels rushed or pressured to speak they may become anxious, which can affect their ability to communicate.

• Use short, uncomplicated sentences.

• Do not change the topic of conversation too quickly.

• Avoid finishing a person's sentences or correcting their errors.

• Reduce distractions.

• If you don't understand something a person with Aphasia is trying to communicate, don't pretend you understand.

• Use visual references, such as pointing, gesturing and objects, to support their understanding.

• If they're having difficulty finding the right word, prompt them – ask them to describe the word, think of a similar word, try to visualise it, think of the sound the word starts with, try to write the word, use gestures, or point to an object.

Our Speech and Language Therapists are Specialists in Aphasia. Feel free to book a free consultation or email us for further information.