Virtual Speech Therapy Enhances Patient-Centered Care
October marks Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month, a time to highlight the significance of delivering healthcare that aligns with individual patient preferences, needs and values. In this era of rapid technological advancement, virtual speech therapy is a prime example of patient-centered care, offering numerous benefits that cater to the unique needs of patients of all ages facing speech and communication challenges such as:
- Alzheimer’s and dementia-related skill loss
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Cognitive communication disorders
- Head and neck cancers
- Hearing loss
- Language and articulation disorders
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke and Aphasia rehabilitation
- Stuttering
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Voice disorders
- and more.
Virtual Speech Therapy Makes Patient-Centered Care Convenient
Parents and caregivers often experience the fatigue of juggling multiple appointments and commitments, which not only adds to their daily stress but can also result in missed work hours. In fact, last year 74% of parents took at least a few hours off work, 60% took at least a day and 32% missed four days or more.
One of the most significant advantages of virtual speech therapy is its flexibility and accessibility. For children, adults and seniors seeking to improve speech and communication skills, Great Speech provides patients with convenient, personalized sessions that they can access from the comfort of their own home, office or school, and schedule sessions on weekends and evenings as needed.
With a nationwide network of 200+ licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Great Speech’s virtual care solution removes barriers such as geographical limitations of only working with local speech therapists, reduced availability or long waiting lists to schedule an appointment. In fact, Great Speech found it took an average of 6 days from enrollment to first sessions, reaching our goal of providing access to care in under one week.
Precision in Patient-Provider Pairing
At the heart of Great Speech’s virtual therapy solution lies an algorithmic matching system that optimizes pairing patients with the most qualified and suitable speech-language pathologists (SLPs) for a patient’s specific condition. This system ensures that patients receive tailored care that directly addresses their unique needs. In a recent patient satisfaction survey conducted by Great Speech, in Q3 2023, an astonishing 100% of respondents reported that their therapist was a perfect match for their requirements. Additionally, 97.5% of those surveyed said the process to get matched with a therapist and to begin therapy either exceeded or met their expectation. This includes the initial consultation through scheduling their first visit. This personalized approach not only enhances patient engagement but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of reaching speech therapy goals.
Online Speech Therapy Exceeds Expectations and Empowers Patients
The impact of virtual speech therapy is profoundly evident in the feedback provided by patients. A remarkable 70% of respondents expressed that their virtual therapy experience exceeded their expectations, a testament to the quality of care and the convenience that virtual sessions offer. Additionally, the satisfaction level of patients is reflected in their willingness to recommend Great Speech to others in need of speech-language therapy – a resounding 100% endorsement rate.
In today’s fast-paced world, with hectic schedules and a demand for accessibility, virtual speech therapy stands as a beacon of patient-centered care. With online speech therapy, patients can receive access to care that is not only effective but also aligned with their preferences and needs. The ability to engage in virtual sessions at one’s convenience and the assurance of being matched with the most suitable therapist are driving factors behind the success and popularity of this approach. As we recognize Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month, let us celebrate the transformative impact that virtual speech therapy is bringing to the lives of countless individuals, one session at a time.