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Semin Speech Lang 2012; 33(03): 243-258
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1320044
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Telerehabilitation, Virtual Therapists, and Acquired Neurologic Speech and Language Disorders

Leora R. Cherney
1   Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
2   Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Sarel van Vuuren
3   Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
4   Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, Colorado
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 July 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Telerehabilitation (telerehab) offers cost-effective services that potentially can improve access to care for those with acquired neurologic communication disorders. However, regulatory issues including licensure, reimbursement, and threats to privacy and confidentiality hinder the routine implementation of telerehab services into the clinical setting. Despite these barriers, rapid technological advances and a growing body of research regarding the use of telerehab applications support its use. This article reviews the evidence related to acquired neurologic speech and language disorders in adults, focusing on studies that have been published since 2000. Research studies have used telerehab systems to assess and treat disorders including dysarthria, apraxia of speech, aphasia, and mild Alzheimer disease. They show that telerehab is a valid and reliable vehicle for delivering speech and language services. The studies represent a progression of technological advances in computing, Internet, and mobile technologies. They range on a continuum from working synchronously (in real-time) with a speech-language pathologist to working asynchronously (offline) with a stand-in virtual therapist. One such system that uses a virtual therapist for the treatment of aphasia, the Web-ORLA™ (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL) system, is described in detail. Future directions for the advancement of telerehab for clinical practice are discussed.

Keywords

Telerehabilitation - telepractice - dysarthria - apraxia of speech - aphasia - virtual therapist - assessment - treatment
 

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