Appreciative Inquiry of a Non-profit Organization Transitioning to Teletherapy

Mental health professionals have been required to make a transition to delivering services using technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. The non-profit agency participating in this study had already listed on its strategic plan the delivery of teletherapy. In 2020, due to the pandemic, the agency decided to expedite the delivery of teletherapy services. This study explored the experiences of the agency’s team, to determine what worked well while making this transition, as well as future dreams regarding the delivery of teletherapy. Appreciative inquiry was used as the method of data collection. Findings indicated the agency’s clinicians found keeping a positive attitude themselves, receiving support from clients, and equal funding for teletherapy as for in person services on the part of the funders, were key to making the initial transition (Discovery phase); that agency clinicians considered that sustained outreach to both publicize and educate about teletherapy to clients and other community agencies had already proved helpful and is in need of more expansion (Dream phase); and that long term, agency clinicians would like to keep using teletherapy even after the pandemic (Design phase), with improved technology and additional training about teletherapy for both clients and clinicians (Destiny phase). The findings of this study may provide a foundation for other agencies that are in the process of transitioning from in person to virtual services.Keywords: COVID-19, teletherapy, non-profit agency, appreciative inquiry

Tele-Oral Oncology: Reinvigorating Telemedicine in Oral Cancer Care

Introduction: In recent years, we have witnessed significant growth in the employment of technological advancements in health-care practices. These advancements have increased the practicality and utility oftelemedicine applications. The aim of this focused review is to provide in-depth insights into the current state of telemedicine in oral oncology. Observations: Tele-oral oncology (TOO) is a rapidly emerging field andhas provided new opportunities to transform oral cancer care into the 22nd century. This review will explore topics related to TOO as they pertain to consultation, oral cancer management in underserved areas, patienteducation and e-learning applications. Conclusion and Relevance: The utilisation of TOO is hindered by many challenges and this review addresses the potential limitations that prevent the integration of TOO in routine oral cancer care. A working model that circumvents the potential shortcomings of TOO is also proposed

Utilization Efficacy Perceptions of Telepractice for Speech-Language Pathologists and University Faculty and Administrators: A Qualitative Delphi Study

Telepractice (or telehealth, teletherapy, tele-rehabilitation) is becoming more common. Speech-language pathology entered the world of telemedicine later than other fields of medicine. With the increasing size of the aging population with the baby boomers, the need for speech-language pathology can be achieved through practitioners using telepractice. Despite the need, barriers such as reimbursement, licensing, privacy and confidentiality, technology and technology acceptance are hindering the adoption of telepractice. This study uses the Delphi methodology with qualitative data collection and analysis to come to a consensus on how to best regulate and operate telepractice with speech-language pathology so that it is more readily adopted. The panel of 11 experts were identified and organized into three groups: 6 speech-language pathologists working with adult and geriatric patients, 2 regulatory experts, and 3 university speech-language pathology program faculty and administrators. The Delphi method was used in multiple rounds to collect data on the barriers to telepractice, as well as potential solutions. Rounds included: individual semi-structured interviews (barriers, training and curriculum, technology acceptance and use, HIPAA compliance), statements from data collected in previous rounds, where participants made additional comments and voted, and final presentation of results to participants. During this final round results and solutions were presented, , as well as suggestions for technology training options to speech-language pathologists

Preventing Emergency Department Overutilization for Florida’s Seasonal Resident Population

Background/Local Problem: Seasonal migration of elderly patients to Lee County, Florida result in overcrowding and prolonged wait times in emergency departments. Many of these seasonal residents dissociate the management of their chronic health conditions with a local provider, therefore utilizing the emergency department for non-urgent needs. Purpose: The Seasonal Resident Navigator Program was intended to enhance the coordination of primary care services for elderly seasonal residents by establishing appointments with local primary care providers (PCP) in order to reduce the overutilization of emergency services and improve patient throughput. Methods: A residency and provider assessment tool was incorporated into the Healthpark Medical Center Emergency Department (ED) nurse triage workflow between November 2017-February 2018 in order to identify seasonal residents, age 65 or greater, without an assigned local provider and facilitate proper follow up appointments. Interventions: The percentage of all seasonal resident encounters at Healthpark Medical Center ED pre-and-post intervention were evaluated as well as the percentage of all seasonal residents that maintained their assigned PCP follow up appointment. Open commentary from patients was evaluated to identify perceived barriers from outpatient follow up. Results/Conclusion: The Seasonal Resident Navigator program will contribute to future trends in emergency department utilization and seasonal resident access to care through enhanced coordination between the acute care and primary care sector