Differences of Modality Use between Telepractice and Face-to-Face Administration of the Scenario-Test in Persons with Dementia-Related Speech Disorder

Abstract

Telepractice is increasingly finding its way into the care of people with dementia. Web-based delivery of speech and language therapy (SLT) is feasible and has the potential to improve communication in people with dementia-related speech disorders. Although experts are discussing the strengths and weaknesses of telepractice, a precise analysis of the differences between analogue and digital communication for this heterogeneous group of patients is still missing. The three current single cases investigated verbal and nonverbal aspects of communication in a face-to-face (F2F) and digital setting through a qualitative research design. Using the scenario-test (ST) in person and via big blue button (BBB; video conferencing system), several decisive factors were detected, influencing the effectiveness of communication in a F2F compared to a digital setting. The most important results of the qualitative content analysis are described for each case individually. Additionally, the influence of person-related factors, such as age, diagnosis, presence of depression, and level of education, is presented. Perceptual, executive, and affective disorders, as well as aids of relatives, are considered separately. The results indicate that executive functions, affects, and perceptual deficits need to be taken into account if telepractice is to be applied. Age, education, and distinct forms of dementia might be decisive for successful telepractice as well.

Equivalence, modality use and patient satisfaction of telepractice administration of the scenario test in persons with primary progressive aphasia

“…However, the increase in modality use in the face-to-face setting indicates that multimodal communication is easier to stimulate for some participants in this setting. A qualitative evaluation of these results has already been conducted and published (Gauch et al, 2023). The differences in modality use underline the importance of face-to-face conversation, which is also highlighted in the literature (Doedens & Meteyard, 2020).…”

Cope PPA - Adaptation of the Biographic-Narrative Approach for Persons with Primary Progressive Aphasia: Protocol for Clinical Trial Design

“…Due to the facilitated role plays, the process is very close to realistic everyday communication. Recent evidence suggests that this method is well applicable to persons with PPA [52].…”

Innovative use of technology in aphasia

“…Two papers in this special issue employed technology for telehealth. Gauch, Corsten, Geschke, Heinrich & Spelter's (2024) cross-over study design compared the equivalence, modality use, and patient satisfaction of the administration of the Scenario Test with people with PPA, through videoconferencing. Chadd, Harding, Mortley & Enderby (2024) explored the barriers and facilitators to adopting telehealth in clinical practice and then co-designed and evaluated its feasibility with people with post-stroke aphasia.…”

“…One particular strength of this Special Issue is that the essential component of listening to the voices of people with aphasia is threaded throughout the included research, either through participant feedback (Gauch et al, 2024;Marshall et al, 2024), exploration of participant opinions regarding a service (Bell et al, 2024) or actively involved in co-design (Brodie et al, 2024;Chadd et al, 2024). Co-design has increased in importance and practice within healthcare research (Palmer et al, 2019).…”