Table 2 Overview of topic areas, code categories and key messages

What were the telehealth SLP sessions like?

Description of the telehealth session

Factual account of what happened during the session

The SLP watched my swallowing, then demonstrated the exercises or discussed the food chart and answered any questions I had. Sessions did not require much preparation and it was more informational.

Participant expectation of PRO-ACTIVE telehealth session

What participant thought might happen during the session before the first telehealth session occurred

Overall I thought the idea of using telehealth was great when I heard about it, but I wasn’t sure what to expect at my session.

Participant evaluation of PRO-ACTIVE telehealth session

Participant’s summative evaluation of the session/satisfaction; experience of using telehealth as a mode of care delivery

I felt satisfied and comfortable after the sessions. They worked well, were easy to follow, and I received clear instruction and guidance.

Participant outcomes from PRO-ACTIVE telehealth session

Participants’ expressions of confidence and accomplishment at end of session/learning

I learned what I needed to learn and felt confident doing it on my own afterwards.

What worked well for telehealth SLP therapy sessions?

Facilitating factors of telehealth

What helped with participating in the telehealth sessions i.e. things (factors) that made it easy?

I’ve used teleconferencing before, for work and for medical appointments, and am quite comfortable with the technology. It was a huge plus to have a caregiver present and have an engaging and responsive clinician lead the telehealth sessions.

What did not work for the telehealth SLP sessions?

Limitations in using telehealth

Perceived limitations in using telehealth as a mode of care delivery)

Possible limitations could be if I was not very technical as far as computers are concerned or did not have any previous experience receiving health care via telehealth.

Barriers in using telehealth

Perceived barriers in using telehealth as a mode of care delivery – things that stopped or prevented the session from happening

Severe swallowing deficits, or having a lot of symptoms, or experiencing technical glitches, may possibly make telehealth more difficult for some patients.

Drawbacks of using telehealth

Negative effects in using the telehealth approach

Teleconferencing does not allow for a close examination of the mouth and the throat and there is just a little something missing in these sessions that doesn’t allow for the nuances of an in-person session or an interpersonal connection.

Participant concerns about telehealth

Participant worries or concerns about the telehealth approach

I was concerned about problems with my internet connection and whether the therapist could really see how I was swallowing or doing the exercises.

How does telehealth compare to in-person SLP sessions?

Comparing between in person and telehealth sessions

How did participants compare their in person with telehealth sessions

Telehealth sessions were comparable with no real difference to in-person sessions and just as effective. It did not compromise what I learned when compared to live sessions.

Participant perception about having video option for PRO-ACTIVE telehealth session

Participants’ specific comments about having the video option

Video conferencing is better than telephone because it allows the therapist to show how to execute the exercises and to give patients feedback on those.

Benefits of using telehealth

Overall benefit of using telehealth

Benefits of using telehealth sessions as a mode of cancer care delivery

Convenience is a big factor. The telehealth sessions saved commuting time, and I wasn’t exhausted from it. It allowed having someone else participate and not wasting their time.

Benefits of using telehealth during COVID

Benefits of receiving care using telehealth during COVID

During COVID, it was a super positive experience because every time I would go to the hospital for radiation or whatever, there was always a potential chance of meeting or interfacing with somebody who could contaminate me.

Suggestions to improve telehealth experience and optimize overall healthcare delivery

Suggestions to improve telehealth session

Specific suggestions or recommendations by the participants to improve telehealth sessions

Video works better than telephone. Also suggest using a video conferencing platform that is easy to use and allows recording of the sessions.

Suggestions to improve overall PRO-ACTIVE SLP care delivery

Suggestions to improve overall PRO-ACTIVE SLP care delivery not related to telehealth or COVID

There isn’t anything to improve; the only suggestion is to ensure easy access to individual patient test result details and therapy instructions.

Potential for future telehealth applications

Participant suggestions for implementing telehealth in areas of health care delivery in future

Use telehealth for team meetings with patients to make communication more efficient and improve care.