The development of theories, methods, and algorithms for the discovery and formation of new knowledge remains one of the most important tasks for any researcher, especially if they are actively working to create new scientific publications. Yet, there is no universal language to describe full formal concepts (i.e. knowledge) or the systemology of transdisciplinary scientific research. Because of this, researchers face a set of urgent challenges. One such challenge is how to speed up the process of finding information in their own sources. To address this challenge, we created an ontology-related system for processing digital libraries of scientific publications. This system implements the technologies of information retrieval and knowledge discovery in digital libraries with an emphasis on technologies and instruments such as those used in the Semantic Web and cognitive graphics.

Purpose: This invited article reflects upon elements of ethical behavior during the conduct of asynchronous telepractice. Method: First, telepractice is defined, followed by the typically understood definitions of synchronous telepractice, asynchronous telepractice, and hybrid telepractice (in-person plus synchronous and/or asynchronous telepractice approaches). In this in-depth examination of ethical intent and behavior, the point is made that synchronous and asynchronous telepractice can be simultaneously or sequentially linked for the same clinician–client interaction. The article then presents key elements of the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, along with historical underlying ethical principles. It includes practical vignettes of model ethical conduct and conduct that violates at least one principle of ethics. Conclusions: It is important to not embrace a false or superficial dichotomy between synchronous and asynchronous telepractice when considering ethical behavior. In fact, the same ethical principles apply to both.

ASHA Special Interest Group (SIG) 18, Telepractice, is a testament to the growing interest in delivering speech-language pathology and audiology services remotely. Telepractice already involves professionals in such diverse settings as rural schools with staffing shortages, civilian and military hospitals, universities, private practices, and home health agencies. But as telepractice continues to evolve, practitioners face challenges in the areas of reimbursement, licensure portability, and privacy—challenges about which practitioners can learn more through SIG 18 affiliation.

The Fall 2015 issue of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) presents the original work of three distinguished and innovative interdisciplinary teams. Interdisciplinarity is also a hallmark of the IJT editorial staff, reviewers, and publishing team.The first article is a product of engineers with expertise in computing science (LoPresti and Simpson) and a medical speech-language pathologist (Jinks) who practices in the area of assistive technology. These authors reported upon the degree to which consumers are satisfied with the provision of telerehabilitation services for augmentative and alternative communication or alternative computer accessibility.A second article, by Proffitt, (occupational therapist) and Lange, (a physiotherapist with expertise in the use of interactive video games and virtual reality technologies) demonstrated the feasibility of employing a 6-week, game-based, in-home telerehabilitation exercise program using the Microsoft Kinect® for individuals with chronic stroke.Finally, the third article co-authored by Watzlaf (health information management, with degrees in public health and epidemiology), DeAlmeida (health information systems, with a degree in cell and molecular biology), Zhou (with degrees in computer science and physics, and expertise in mathematical modeling on health related topics, information integration, and comparative genomics), and Hartman (a reference librarian with a degree in chemistry, who collaborates with faculty in the health sciences and serves as a liaison to a school of health and rehabilitation sciences) describes a protocol to conduct systematic reviews of research in telerehabilitation, with the aim that IJT readers can ultimately apply this protocol to identify best practices in telerehabilitation.

The spring 2014 issue of the International Journal of Telerehabilitation (IJT) contains four informative and timely policy articles: (1) an invited commentary describing the exploratory process underway within physical therapy to create licensure portability for physical therapists, (2) an analysis of state telehealth laws and regulations for occupational therapy and physical therapy, (3) an overview of telehealth evidence and key telehealth policy issues in occupational therapy, and (4) the World Federation of Occupational Therapists’ (WFOT) Position Statement on Telehealth. This issue also contains original research evaluating the feasibility of providing pediatric dysphagia treatment via telepractice, a clinical report of student learning outcomes associated with an innovative experiential learning assignment involving (international) teleconsultation in a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) curriculum, a book review, and announcements from the American Telemedicine Association.