Telepractice for people with aphasia (PWA) is gaining importance, not least because of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Many PWA are affected by a reduction of quality of life (QoL). Experts recommend focussing on psychosocial impacts more consistently, but the transfer to telepractice has been investigated in a limited number of studies so far. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of different telepractice approaches on QoL in PWA. The evidence was identified through a broad literature research in five databases and other sources such as Google Scholar and referring papers or was searched by hand. In total, twelve studies met the eligibility criteria. Focus of the analysis was the association between therapeutic approaches and their effects on QoL. Half (n = 6) of the included studies clearly indicated positive effects of the applied methods on QoL. Further analysis showed no definable link between the therapeutic approaches and their impact on QoL. Nevertheless, decisive assumptions about QoL-enhancing telepractice can be derived from the literature. Telepractice in aphasia therapy can improve the patients’ QoL. Benefits for QoL do not only depend on the utilised approach. Several factors (e.g., enhancing of communicative confidence) are significant in their impact on QoL and should be examined in future research.

Telepractice is increasingly finding its way into the care of people with dementia. Web-based delivery of speech and language therapy (SLT) is feasible and has the potential to improve communication in people with dementia-related speech disorders. Although experts are discussing the strengths and weaknesses of telepractice, a precise analysis of the differences between analogue and digital communication for this heterogeneous group of patients is still missing. The three current single cases investigated verbal and nonverbal aspects of communication in a face-to-face (F2F) and digital setting through a qualitative research design. Using the scenario-test (ST) in person and via big blue button (BBB; video conferencing system), several decisive factors were detected, influencing the effectiveness of communication in a F2F compared to a digital setting. The most important results of the qualitative content analysis are described for each case individually. Additionally, the influence of person-related factors, such as age, diagnosis, presence of depression, and level of education, is presented. Perceptual, executive, and affective disorders, as well as aids of relatives, are considered separately. The results indicate that executive functions, affects, and perceptual deficits need to be taken into account if telepractice is to be applied. Age, education, and distinct forms of dementia might be decisive for successful telepractice as well.

BACKGROUND: The use of telediagnostics for people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) could improve access to specialised care. There is a gap in research, especially regarding to the evaluation of communicative-pragmatic measurement tools in a digital setting. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the equivalence, modality use, and patient satisfaction of telepractice administration of the Scenario Test (ST) in people with PPA. METHODS: In a cross-over design, the ST was conducted once by videoconferencing and once in person. Fifteen people with PPA participated. Participant satisfaction was assessed after each test session using a short self-designed questionnaire. The total ST scores, the use of the different communicative modalities and the participant satisfaction scores were evaluated using the equivalence and McNemar test. RESULTS: Statistical equivalence was established for the present sample with regard to the total score of the ST. Regarding the use of the different modalities, no significant difference was found. Sample satisfaction was positive for both diagnostic settings, but there was no statistical equivalence of satisfaction. Severe psychiatric and cognitive symptoms affected the test performance. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights opportunities and limitations of telepractice administration of the ST in people with PPA. There is some evidence that testing with the ST via videoconferencing is feasible. Differences in the use of communication modalities and participant satisfaction should be further investigated. Influencing factors such as psychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits should be considered in future research projects.