Help Me Speak Programme
Care Process & Redesign
Technology
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2020
To improve ALS patients' communication by increasing accessibility to eye-gaze devices through a loan program. Loan programs improve ALS patient quality of life, communication, and independence.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Technology, Value Based Care, Patient Reported Outcome Measures, Information ＆ Communication Technology, Other ICT, Product Development, Product Evaluation
About this Content
Aims
To improve ALS patients' communication by increasing accessibility to eye-gaze devices through a loan program.
Background
ALS patients face muscle weakness, reduced speech ability, and lack awareness/access to communication devices. Devices are costly, and trials prior to purchase were unavailable.
Methods
Implemented a loan system for eye-gaze devices, improving patient access, training for use, and assessments.
Results
21 ALS patients enrolled. Significant improvements in communication, autonomy, and well-being: 86% improved activity, 90% participation, and 76% well-being scores (p-value < 0.05).
Conclusion
Loan programs improve ALS patient quality of life, communication, and independence. Established a sustainable care model with increased awareness.
Lessons Learnt
Device tracking requires improvement. Expanding services to other institutions and target groups requires nationwide initiatives.
Additional Information
Study demonstrated significant communication improvements; plans include scaling the initiative nationwide.
Keywords
Care Redesign, Speech Therapy, Patient-Centered Care, ALS, Augmentative Communication, Loan System, Quality of Life, TTSH
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Respiratory Therapy |
Project Lead(s) | Tan Xuet Ying |
Project Member(s) | Zenne T’ng |
Connect with this contributor!
Tan Xuet Ying - Xuet_ying_tan@ttsh.com.sg