scholarly journals Parents’ and Students’ Perceptions of Telepractice Services for Speech-Language Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey Study

10.2196/25675 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e25675
Author(s):  
Joseph Hin Yan Lam ◽  
Stephen Man Kit Lee ◽  
Xiuli Tong
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Delivery Modes ◽  
School Based ◽  
Therapy Effectiveness ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Therapy Services ◽  
Strongly Agree

Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the suspension of face-to-face classes and a considerable increase in the use of telepractice services in speech-language pathology. However, little is known about parents’ and students’ satisfaction with telepractice services and their preferences for different service delivery modes. These factors may affect therapy effectiveness and the future adoption of telepractice. Objective We evaluated students’ and parents’ perceptions of telepractice efficacy and their preferences for different service delivery modes (ie, on-site practice vs telepractice). We also identified factors that affect parents’ and students’ preferences for different service delivery modes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A 19-question survey on telepractice satisfaction and preferences was administered to 41 Hong Kong Chinese students and 85 parents who received telepractice services from school-based speech-language pathologists during the COVID-19 class suspension period. In addition to providing demographic information and data on the implementation of telepractice services, all participants were asked to rate their perceptions of the efficacy of telepractice services and compare on-site practices to telepractice on a 5-point Likert scale (ie, 1=strongly disagree/prefer the use of on-site speech-language therapy services and 5=strongly agree/prefer the use of telepractice services). Results Despite the fact that telepractice efficacy was highly rated by parents (95% CI 3.30-3.66) and students (95% CI 3.21-3.76), both groups believed that telepractice was less effective than on-site practices (parents: 95% CI 2.14-2.52; students: 95% CI 2.08-2.65). Moreover, parents preferred on-site practices over telepractice (95% CI 2.04-2.43), whereas students did not prefer one mode of practice over the other (95% CI 2.74-3.41). A significant association between telepractice efficacy and a preference for telepractice services was found only among the students (τ=.43, P<.001), not the parents (τ=.07; P=.44). Conclusions Although telepractice is an acceptable alternative service delivery option for providing speech and language therapy services to school-aged individuals, speech-language therapists and parents must play a more proactive role in telepractice services to facilitate effective communication between clinicians and parents.

scholarly journals Online or Offline: Parents but not Students Preferred Onsite Practice to Telepractice during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Hin Yan Lam ◽  
Stephen Man Kit Lee ◽  
Xiuli Tong
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Delivery Mode ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
School Based ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Therapy Services ◽  
Strongly Agree

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in face-to-face class suspensions and a boom in the use of telepractice in speech-language pathology. However, little is known about caregivers’ and students’ telepractice satisfaction and service delivery mode preferences. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated perceived telepractice efficacy and preference between onsite practice and telepractice as well as factors affecting service delivery mode preferences among caregivers and students during COVID-19. METHODS A 20-question survey on telepractice satisfaction and preference was administered to 41 Chinese students and 85 caregivers who received telepractice from school-based speech-language pathologists in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic class suspension period. They were asked to 1) report the implementation of telepractice, 2) rate their perceptions of the efficacy of telepractice on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), 3) compare the efficacy of telepractice to onsite practice, and 4) state their preference between telepractice and onsite practice. RESULTS Despite a high rating for telepractice efficacy from caregivers (95% CI 3.30-3.66) and students (95% CI 3.21-3.76), both groups perceived that telepractice was less effective than onsite practice (caregivers: 95% CI 2.14-2.52; students: 95% CI 2.08-2.65). Moreover, the caregivers preferred onsite practice over telepractice (95% CI 2.04-2.43), whereas the students showed no preference for the mode of practice (95% CI 2.74-3.41). A significant association between telepractice efficacy and preference was found only among the students (τ = .43, P < .001), not the caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Although telepractice can be considered an acceptable alternative service delivery option for school-aged speech and language therapy services, a more proactive role of speech-language therapists and caregivers in telepractice is needed to facilitate the engagement of caregivers and effective communication between clinicians and caregivers.

The Five W's Meet the Three R's: The Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Telepractice Service Delivery for School-Based Speech-Language Therapy Services

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (02) ◽  
pp. 162-176
Author(s):  
Sue Grogan-Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Service Delivery Model ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Delivery Model ◽  
Service Delivery Models ◽  
School Based ◽  
Therapy Services ◽  
Why Questions ◽  
Delivery Models

AbstractSchool-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are implementing telecommunication technologies for service provision. Telepractice is one among an array of service delivery models that can be successfully implemented in the public-school setting. While many school-based SLPs have been plunged into telepractice with the recent pandemic, this temporary shift to emergency instruction is not the same as fully implementing a telepractice service delivery model. SLPs who recognize the potential application of telecommunications would profit from additional training and experience to take advantage of the benefits of this service delivery model. The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of telepractice as a service delivery model, and to answer the who, what, when, where, and why questions of school-based telepractice. Telepractice is one of several service delivery models that school-based SLPs can confidently utilize to provide effective speech and language therapy services to school-age students.

Distance Education in Speech-Language Therapy

2021 ◽  
pp. 422-441
Author(s):  
Rita Alegria ◽  
Susana Vaz Freitas ◽  
Joana Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Social Self ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Delivery Model ◽  
World Crisis ◽  
The World ◽  
Therapy Services

Speech-language pathologists/therapists have been using a different service delivery model known for almost 40 years as telepractice, so they can meet the growing demand for assessment, intervention, consultancy, and also distance learning in their scope of practice. As far as the authors could review, the literature highlights a number of benefits for students, teachers, parents, and stakeholders, as well as evidence for the delivery of professional services at a distance within the clinical and educational settings. There are few studies regarding the effectiveness of telepractice intervention in this field. To their knowledge, there are no European Portuguese studies. The chapter illustrates up to date international applications of telepractice and distance learning in speech-language therapy services. It has currently increased in order to respond to the world crisis related to COVID-19 in which social self-isolation and personal dislocations are being implemented, forcing this professional to adapt to this new reality.

Systems-Based Approaches to Speech-Language Pathology Service Delivery for School Age Children

2020 ◽  
pp. 113-136
Author(s):  
RaMonda Horton
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
School Based ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Culture Environment ◽  
Culture And Development ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter will provide readers with an overview of how a systems-based approach can be used to understand the relationship between culture, environment, language, and disability. It will identify a useful model of ecology, culture, and development that can and should be considered in conjunction with the WHO-ICF framework to guide service delivery in school-based settings. This chapter will also provide an overview of systems-based approaches that can be used when working with children from traditionally marginalized backgrounds. Finally, a case study example will be used to provide guidance on the application of systems-based approaches to service delivery for children in school-based settings.

Telehealth applications in speech-language pathology: a modified narrative review

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 310-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Leigh Reynolds ◽  
Jessica Lindsay Vick ◽  
Nancy Jeanne Haak
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Complete Replacement ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Language Pathology

We conducted a modified narrative review of the literature on telehealth applications used in speech-language pathology assessment and treatment. The following databases and information resources were used: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PSYCInfo, ERIC, Digital Dissertations, CSA Social Services Abstracts, CSA Sociological Abstracts, On-line ASHA publications and personal contacts. Sixty-two full-text documents were located. Twenty-eight provided sufficient detail to be reviewed using a checklist adapted from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) recommendations for level of evidence rankings and quality assessment ratings. Five of the 28 studies received a ranking indicating a high level of evidence (larger sample sizes, assessed outcomes with valid and reliable measures, performed statistical analysis of study results, measured reliability of study results, ensured internal and external validity, and ensured randomization of participants to groups). These five studies concluded that the service delivery results from telehealth were equivalent to traditional face-to-face results. However, telehealth was not a complete replacement for face-to-face service delivery and further research is required.

Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder Dual Diagnosis: Important Considerations for Speech-Language Pathologists

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Theresa M. Versaci ◽  
Laura J. Mattie ◽  
Laura J. Imming
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Therapy Services

Purpose Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) often receive speech-language therapy services starting in infancy or toddlerhood. When providing speech-language therapy services for children with DS, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) need to consider the impact of other developmental and comorbid disorders that can affect language development, such as the presence of a dual diagnosis of DS and autism spectrum disorder (DS + ASD). The prevalence rate of ASD in DS is ~20%, which is higher than in the general population. Method This clinical focus article aims to provide SLPs with additional knowledge about DS + ASD to improve service delivery and support parents' ability to advocate for their child with confirmed or suspected DS + ASD. This is accomplished by summarizing the current evidence base on the presence of ASD in DS and discussing implications of a DS + ASD diagnosis for clinical practice with SLPs. Conclusions SLPs play a key role in supporting families of those with DS + ASD by advocating and educating. By understanding the unique profiles of strengths and weaknesses of individuals with DS + ASD, SLPs can provide appropriate service delivery (i.e., treatment and intervention approaches) and advocacy for their clients and their families.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Speech-Language Pathologists on the Use of Telepractice in Schools: Quantitative Survey Results

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice K. Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Quantitative Survey ◽  
School Settings ◽  
School Based ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Northeastern State ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Willingness To Use

This research surveyed 170 school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in one northeastern state, with only 1.8% reporting telepractice use in school-settings. These results were consistent with two ASHA surveys (2002; 2011) that reported limited use of telepractice for school-based speech-language pathology. In the present study, willingness to use telepractice was inversely related to age, perhaps because younger members of the profession are more accustomed to using technology.  Overall, respondents were concerned about the validity of assessments administered via telepractice; whether clinicians can adequately establish rapport with clients via telepractice; and if therapy conducted via telepractice can be as effective as in-person speech-language therapy. Most respondents indicated the need to establish procedures and guidelines for school-based telepractice programs.

Service Delivery Schedule Effects on Speech Sound Production Outcomes

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
David M. Rehfeld ◽  
Tracey N. Sulak
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Speech Therapy ◽  
Speech Sound ◽  
Individualized Education Program ◽  
Speech Sound Disorders ◽  
Individualized Education ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based ◽  
Therapy Services

Purpose Children with speech sound disorders feature prominently on the caseloads of speech-language pathologists working in schools, with many receiving services once or twice weekly for 20–30 min. This study compared the outcomes of services provided twice weekly for 30 min to those provided 4 times weekly for 15 min to examine their effectiveness in remediating speech sound disorders in an elementary school setting. Method A total of 35 students were recruited from an existing public school caseload for participation. Participants were randomly assigned to receive school-based speech therapy services for either 30 min twice weekly or 15 min 4 times weekly. There were no differences between groups in age, gender, or the amount of time spent in general education. Growth was measured by the percentage of Individualized Education Program goals mastered and the percentage of sounds produced correctly in isolation. Results After one calendar year, there was a negligible difference between groups on both the percentage of Individualized Education Program goals mastered and the percentage of sounds produced correctly in isolation. On average, both scheduling configurations were effective in meeting students' needs. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that children with speech sound disorders receiving school-based speech therapy services can benefit from a variety of scheduling options. Awareness of such options is an invaluable resource to speech-language pathologists wanting to provide effective and efficient services. Future research should continue investigating service delivery models' effects in applied settings.

Adapting to Telepractice: Views of Graduate Student Clinicians

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Christen Page ◽  
Robyn Wahl ◽  
Brooklyn Clements ◽  
Rachel Woody ◽  
Kristen Napier
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Graduate Student ◽  
Speech Therapy ◽  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
First Year ◽  
Learning Technology ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Delivery Model ◽  
Language Pathology

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the initial perceptions of speech-language pathology graduate student clinicians following implementation of telepractice using survey questions. Method The study used thematic analysis to answer three research questions: (a) How comfortable and confident are graduate student clinicians using telepractice? (b) What are the differences between in-person and telepractice service delivery? (c) What surprised graduate student clinicians about telepractice? Results Thirty first-year graduate student clinicians completed the survey following 5 weeks of telepractice service delivery. Findings revealed that, initially, graduate student clinicians felt nervous and uncertain about administering speech-language therapy through telepractice but eventually became more comfortable and confident with the new therapy delivery model. Differences between in-person and telepractice involved more attention to clinician's facial expressions, learning technology, managing environmental distractions at home, and the necessity for caregiver involvement. Graduate student clinicians expressed mixed perceptions of treatment effectiveness through telepractice, which may be associated with the client's attention, communication severity, and clinician's motivation. In the end, graduate student clinicians shared positive reflections of this learning experience. Conclusions As speech therapy through telepractice continues, students will require guidance about this service delivery model. This study described graduate students' perceptions of telepractice, which may be applied to academic clinical curriculum.

Perceptions of telepractice pedagogy in speech-language pathology: A quantitative analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 550-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan S Overby ◽  
Annette Baft-Neff
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Nonverbal Communication ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Speech Language Pathology ◽  
Delivery Methods ◽  
Pedagogical Strategies ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Exploratory Investigation ◽  
Language Pathology

Introduction Despite the growth of telecommunication applications to provide clinical healthcare services, there has been little attention to the pedagogical framework needed to train healthcare students to deliver these services. Methods In this exploratory investigation, perceptions of speech-language pathology/therapy (SLP/SLT) faculty ( n = 31), graduate students ( n = 16), and telehealth (“telepractice”) clinicians ( n = 16) were examined with a 15-item survey regarding the 1) comparative pedagogical importance of four skills common to telepractice and face-to-face service (f2f) delivery, and 2) relative pedagogical value of seven skills and competencies unique to telepractice. Results Statistical analyses revealed nonverbal communication skills and knowledge of the literature related to service delivery methods were more important in telepractice than in f2f service delivery. Among seven skills unique to telepractice, participants believed the most important was solving problems related to the Internet and recommended at least two hours of instruction each in telepractice technology, patient confidentiality, and role-playing telepractice. Results suggest that SLP/SLT students may need additional and/or focused academic training in nonverbal communication, telepractice literature, and in solving connectivity issues to enter the telepractice marketplace with sufficient preparation. Discussion Further study is needed to compare the relative importance of additional SLP/SLT skills and competencies, describe components of effective healthcare training telepractice programs, and explore effective pedagogical strategies for healthcare telepractice instruction.

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