title: Service users' acceptability of videoconferencing as a form of service delivery.
abstract: We conducted a study of videoconferencing for delivering an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) service. AAC is a clinical field that attempts to compensate for the impairment and disability of people with severe expressive communication disorders. A total of 12 participant groups trialled initial AAC assessments via videoconference at a bandwidth of 768 kbit/s. The participant groups consisted of the client, the assessing speech and language therapist, and those who accompanied them to the session (usually their local speech and language therapist and any relatives or carers). Six of these groups progressed to receive review appointments. Following each of the sessions, all of the participants completed a questionnaire. Participants indicated an 88% satisfaction with the videoconference assessment session and a 95% satisfaction with review videoconference sessions. Clients provided the most positive feedback in their questionnaires, while the speech and language therapists were the most critical of the process. The findings suggest that an AAC service can be delivered effectively by videoconference.
authors.affiliation: Communication Aid Centre, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK. Victoria.styles@nbt.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Styles
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019114:Remote Consultation; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D049269:Videoconferencing; D055815:Young Adult