Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Yiu OY(1), Chiang PI(1), Choi KY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Speech Therapy Unit, Department of Allied Health, Hong Kong Children's Hospital
Introduction :
Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare delivery, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While widely adopted in speech therapy for communication disorders, its potential for managing pediatric feeding disorders and dysphagia remains underexplored. Given the high prevalence of these conditions in children, the Hong Kong Children's Hospital (HKCH) has increasingly utilized telemedicine. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of telemedicine in this specific population, providing valuable insights for future applications.
Objectives :
This study aimed to assess the feasibility of telemedicine in speech therapy for pediatric patients with feeding disorders and dysphagia. Additionally, we sought to examine the impact of telemedicine on feeding outcomes and evaluate carers' satisfaction with the service.
Methodology :
A retrospective analysis was conducted at HKCH on patients who received speech therapy via telemedicine from 2019 to 2023. The percentage of cases presenting with feeding disorders and dysphagia was determined for each year. Patient data from the most recent year were collected and analyzed, focusing on the specific disorders being treated, feeding and swallowing outcomes, as well as feedback from parents regarding the telemedicine service.
Result & Outcome :
The analysis revealed a significant increase in the utilization of telemedicine for speech therapy services in pediatric patients with feeding disorders and dysphagia, demonstrating a consistent upward trend with high percentages of cases ranging from 60% to 89%.
Among the 30 patients who received telemedicine services in 2024, the majority presented with feeding disorders (70%). Telephone consultations served as the primary mode of interaction, complemented by video conferencing platforms for real-time communication among patients, speech therapists, and carers. In addition to traditional face-to-face outpatient sessions, a total of 77 telemedicine sessions were conducted for these 30 patients, resulting in a more intensive treatment approach. Most patients achieved full oral feeding with satisfactory growth, while others showed significant improvement in oral acceptance and intake. Feedback from carers was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority expressing appreciation for the reduced need for hospital visits while still making substantial progress in treatment.
The findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of telemedicine in speech therapy for pediatric patients with feeding disorders and dysphagia, highlighting positive feeding outcomes and high user satisfaction. Clinicians should consider incorporating telemedicine more frequently in this population to increase treatment efficiency and intensity. Additionally, ongoing development of materials and resources to facilitate telemedicine service delivery should be prioritized, ensuring continued improvement in care for these vulnerable patients.
