Title :
An interactive telemedicine system for remote speech-language pathology treatment
Author :
Brennan, D.M. ; Barker, L.M.
Author_Institution :
National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
Abstract :
There is significant potential for delivering speech-language pathology services using telemedicine methods. However, current telemedicine and videoconferencing equipment has limitations that constrain the speech-language therapeutic interventions that can be delivered remotely. This work aimed to develop a telemedicine system that would extend the capabilities of existing videoconferencing equipment and integrate an array of clinically relevant and validated therapeutic tools and techniques. Through a user-centered iterative design framework, an earlier prototype system was expanded and enhanced to enable greater interaction between a speech-language clinician and client during a telemedicine session. The final system utilizes H.323 Internet-based videoconferencing with integrated T.120 data sharing features and allows for a wide range of treatment material and therapeutic interventions to be delivered to a remote client. The protocol for a case-study evaluation designed to evaluate the system as a means for providing comprehensive speech-language treatment has been developed and testing is underway. Preliminary results indicate that the system is a viable alternative to face-to-face treatment for adult clients with neurological impairments.
Keywords :
Internet; patient treatment; speech; teleconferencing; telemedicine; H.323 Internet-based videoconferencing; T.120 data sharing; adult clients; interactive telemedicine system; neurological impairments; remote speech-language pathology treatment; speech-language therapeutic interventions; user-centered iterative design framework; videoconferencing; Communications technology; Conducting materials; History; Medical treatment; Pathology; TV; Teleconferencing; Telemedicine; Telephony; Virtual colonoscopy; Rehabilitation; Speech-language pathology; telemedicine; telerehabilitation; videoconferencing;
Conference_Titel :
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2004. IEMBS '04. 26th Annual International Conference of the IEEE
Conference_Location :
San Francisco, CA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-8439-3
DOI :
10.1109/IEMBS.2004.1404321