You can do it: Outcomes from a student-led dysphagia telerehabilitation using Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) amongst Head & Neck Cancer survivors
| Wednesday, May 29, 2024 |
| 11:10 AM - 11:25 AM |
| BelleVue Ballroom 02 |
Overview
Details
📚 Assumed knowledge of attendees: Foundational (new/casual familiarity with the topic e.g. treated a single case)
Presenter
You can do it: Outcomes from a student-led dysphagia telerehabilitation using Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) amongst Head & Neck Cancer survivors
11:10 AM - 11:25 AMPresentation summary
Methodology: HNC survivors (n = 13) completed 8 weeks of EMST via telehealth with supervised speech pathology students (n = 13). Pre-and post-treatment measures of swallowing efficiency (Timed Water Swallow Test, TWST), peak flow, and quality of life (SwalQoL) were recorded as well as participant and student satisfaction. Feasibility (i.e., technical issues and session duration) was monitored weekly. All data was collected using REDCap and analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics.
Results: Swallowing efficiency significantly improved, including number of swallows (p= 0.02), time taken (p<0.01), and swallowing rate (p=<0.01), as measured by the TWST. There were no significant changes to peak flow or SwalQoL scores.
Following the 104 EMST sessions, participants strongly agreed 80.8% (n = 84) they were satisfied, and their expectations had been met 79.8% (n = 83). Following the block of therapy, 77% (n = 10) of participants agreed or strongly agreed that telehealth was more convenient and less disruptive to daily activities than if done in-person.
Technical issues occurred in 20% of sessions and un-planned student support from clinical educators occurred in 15% of sessions. The average duration of initial sessions was 44 minutes with the remaining weekly sessions taking an average of 27 minutes.
Conclusion: This new model of dysphagia telerehabilitation for HNC survivors was acceptable, feasible and effective. These preliminary findings support scalability and monitoring of the program in the healthcare system.
Key messages
2. Benefit of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) for HNC survivors
3. Effectiveness of using student-led telerehabilitation to deliver EMST
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Session chair
Student volunteer(s)
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