Teletherapy after cochlear implantation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, digitalization in healthcare grew rapidly. Auditory training after cochlear implantation usually takes place face-to-face but social distancing interferes with this therapeutic approach. Materials and Methods In follow-up treatment, 42 adult cochlear implant (CI) users aged 53.8 (+/- 15.6) years received video therapy 1 x/week for 5 weeks on a certified platform. After each therapy session, the technical process and therapeutic content were assessed. At the end of the study, usability and the relationship between therapist and patient were evaluated by patients and therapists using the System Usability Scale (SUS), a final questionnaire and by the Skala Therapeutische Allianz - Revised (STA-R). Furthermore, a cost-benefit analysis was done. Results Usability for both users was high (87.97 versus 93.0). Despite the lack of personal contact, therapeutic alliance was highly appreciated by patients and therapists (87.8% versus 84.8%). The main advantages for the patients were reductions in time and costs. In contrast, the rehabilitation center faced higher costs initially due to the longer time therapists needed to prepare the lessons. Technical problems had to be solved in > 75% of the first sessions but did not bother training thereafter. In total, 47.6% of the patients believe that teletherapy can completely fulfill their therapeutic needs. Conclusion Video therapy has been judged as a useful tool by all users and the majority wants to continue. However, it remains questionable whether the therapist-patient relationship can be sufficiently maintained over a longer period and whether online therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy.