Telemedicine and the Interdisciplinary Clinic Model: During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zughni, Lisa A.; Gillespie, Amanda I.; Hatcher, Jeanne L.; Rubin, Adam D.; Giliberto, John Paul
• Is Part Of: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery. Volume 163:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 673
• Page End: 675
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: telemedicine -- telepractice -- interdisciplinary -- COVID-19 -- speech-language pathology -- laryngology; Head -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neck -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/0194599820932167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-5998

Abstract

The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the subsequent need for physical distancing have necessitated a swift change in health care delivery. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, many institutions utilized an interdisciplinary clinic model including both a laryngologist and a speech-language pathologist for the evaluation of patients with voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders. To improve access, many providers are pursuing the use of interdisciplinary telemedicine to provide individualized patient-centered care while allowing for physical distancing. The purpose of this commentary is to review the current literature regarding telemedicine in laryngology and speech-language pathology as well as the current and future states of practice for interdisciplinary tele-evaluations.