Delivery of Intensive Voice Therapy for Vocal Fold Nodules Via Telepractice: A Pilot Feasibility and Efficacy Study.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study examined voice outcomes and patient perceptions after intensive voice therapy for vocal fold nodules via telepractice.


METHODS
Pilot, within-subjects experimental trial.


METHODS
Participants included 10 women diagnosed with bilateral vocal fold nodules who received intensive voice treatment via a free videoconferencing platform Skype, (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA). All participants completed one vocal hygiene session in person, followed by eight sessions of therapy via telepractice over 3 weeks. Before and immediately after treatment, patients attended a clinic in person to complete perceptual, stroboscopic, acoustic, and physiological assessments of vocal function. Analyses were performed by a speech-language pathologist and an otolaryngologist independent to and blinded to the study. Participants also completed the Voice Handicap Index and a telepractice satisfaction questionnaire, or an anticipated satisfaction questionnaire, before and after the treatment.


RESULTS
Significant improvements were found in perceptual, vocal fold function, acoustic, and physiological parameters as well as nodule sizes and patient perceptions of voice-related quality of life post-treatment. Participants were highly positive about their first experience with telepractice. Results were similar to those from a separate study investigating the effects of an intensive voice therapy delivered in conventional face-to-face (FTF) format.


CONCLUSIONS
This study is consistent with possible benefits of telepractice in the delivery of intensive treatment for vocal fold nodules. Pending final verification with a FTF comparison group, telepractice could be recommended as an alternate treatment modality for patients with vocal fold nodules.
The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: sherry.fu@uqconnect.edu.au.
Sherry
S
Fu
The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Deborah G
DG
Theodoros
The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Elizabeth C
EC
Ward
D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013061:Speech Acoustics; D049489:Stroboscopy; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014833:Voice Quality; D014834:Voice Training; D055815:Young Adult
Acoustic; Aerodynamic; Participant satisfaction; Perception; Physiology; Telepractice; Vocal fold nodules