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

Author(s):  
Janice K. Tucker

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.

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 1267-1282
Author(s):  
Jessica Salley ◽  
Sarah Krusen ◽  
Margaret Lockovich ◽  
Bethany Wilson ◽  
Brenda Eagan-Johnson ◽  
...  

Purpose Through a hypothetical case study, this article aimed to describe an evidence-based approach for speech-language pathologists in managing students with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly within a formal statewide-supported school-based brain injury team model, such as the BrainSTEPS Brain Injury School Consulting Program operating in Pennsylvania and Colorado. Conclusion Upon transitioning from the medical setting back to school, children with TBI present with unique educational needs. Children with moderate-to-severe TBIs can demonstrate a range of strengths and deficits in speech, language, cognition, and feeding and swallowing, impacting their participation in various school activities. The specialized education, training, and insight of speech-language pathologists, in collaboration with multidisciplinary medical and educational team members, can enable the success of students with TBI when transitioning back to school postinjury ( DePompei & Blosser, 2019 ; DePompei & Tyler, 2018 ). This transition should focus on educational planning, implementation of strategies and supports, and postsecondary planning for vocations or higher education.


Author(s):  
Janice K. Tucker

Telepractice in speech-language pathology shows the potential to mitigate the current shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) available to serve a growing number of persons with communication disorders.  Since a majority of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified SLPs work in schools and the population of communicatively impaired clients in schools continues to grow, research into the use of telepractice in the educational setting is warranted.  This article reports upon the perspectives of SLPs regarding the use of telepractice in school settings. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with five SLPs experienced in the delivery of telepractice. Four major themes emerged: barriers, benefits, reasons for acceptance and use of telepractice, and suggestions to resolve telepractice professional issues.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Hin Yan Lam ◽  
Stephen Man Kit Lee ◽  
Xiuli Tong

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 236-245
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. Wilson ◽  
Amanda K. Simmons ◽  
Jillian H. McCarthy

Purpose Evaluation and treatment of pediatric dysphagia, swallowing difficulties occurring during childhood, is in the speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) scope of practice; however, little is known regarding the education SLPs receive during their graduate work and afterwards to effectively assess, treat, and manage this diagnosis. Method An 11-question survey was developed to examine the experience and opinions of SLPs related to the type and extent of pediatric dysphagia education and training they have and/or should have received during their graduate education. The survey was disseminated to SLPs across the United States via social media and e-mail Listservs. Results Survey results from 134 participants across the country, with varying clinical backgrounds, indicated a lack of pediatric dysphagia education during graduate school. SLPs reported overcoming these insufficiencies through gaining work experience and pursuing continuing education units on pediatric dysphagia. SLPs overwhelmingly (> 95% of respondents) recommended a full course or unit focusing on pediatric dysphagia for master's students in speech-language pathology. Survey results found a statistically significant increase in the likelihood of completion of a pediatric dysphagia unit or course for students graduating in the last 10 years; however, this positive trajectory shows a modest increase in the availability of coursework to prepare pediatric SLPs to evaluate and treat the growing pediatric dysphagia population. Conclusions Some positive changes in SLP education can be inferred from these results; however, there is still additional work to be done to equip pediatric SLPs to provide adequate care for a growing population with pediatric dysphagia.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Connie Summers ◽  
Maria Resendiz ◽  
Roxanna Ruiz-Felter

Purpose: The majority of supervision literature has focused on the supervision of graduate students. The purpose of this study was to examine the preparation of and explore the thinking styles of mentoring speech-language pathologists (SLPs) of Speech-Language Pathology graduates who are completing their clinical fellowship. Method: A questionnaire was sent to 1626 SLPs by email who reported working in school settings and 102 participants responded. They were asked questions about demographics, caseloads, supervisory experiences, knowledge of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA, 2008) standards for supervision, and thinking styles. Forty of the participants reported on the number of years of experience they had with supervision and reported mentoring a clinical fellow in the past 3 years. These 40 participants were divided into two groups: mentoring SLPs with less experience (LEM; 1–5 years) and mentoring SLPs with more experience (MEM; 6 or more years). Results: The LEM and MEM groups demonstrated different patterns in meeting and contacting their Clinical Fellows (CF) and in participating in training activities for mentoring SLPs. There were also differences in the thinking styles of the groups. The MEM group rated themselves as having preferences for tasks that allowed them to work on one thing at a time as well as tasks that had a more global focus more than those in the LEM group. Conclusions: Differences in thinking styles may affect the style of supervision and mentoring. These relationships warrant further examination.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 99-104
Author(s):  
Kellie C. Ellis ◽  
Catherine Gottfred ◽  
Christine Freiberg

Elevator speeches, or brief talks in which individuals pitch an idea, sell a solution to a problem, or raise awareness of an issue, have gained increasing popularity within the business world. While school-based professionals may not view themselves as having to “sell,” audiologists and speech-language pathologists are in the business of “selling” our ability to create change for students with communication disorders. Elevator speeches serve as a viable advocacy tool and can be used influence decision-makers and bring about meaningful change in our professions. This article equips readers with knowledge of how to craft a winning elevator speech, provides examples of instances in which school-based professionals could use elevator speeches, and presents information on how to assess the success of elevator speeches.


2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yolanda Keller-Bell ◽  
Maureen Short

Purpose Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) provide a framework for behavioral expectations in school systems for children with and without disabilities. Speech-language pathologists who work in school settings should be familiar with this framework as part of their role in improving the outcomes for children. The purpose of this tutorial is to discuss PBIS and its use in school settings. Method The authors provide an overview of the PBIS framework and focus on its applicability in classroom-based settings. The process of implementing PBIS in classrooms and other settings such as speech-language therapy is discussed. Conclusions This tutorial provides speech-language pathologists with an overview of PBIS and may facilitate their understanding of how to implement PBIS in nonclassroom settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54
Author(s):  
Kimberly A. Murza ◽  
Barbara J. Ehren

Purpose The purpose of this article is to situate the recent language disorder label debate within a school's perspective. As described in two recent The ASHA Leader articles, there is international momentum to change specific language impairment to developmental language disorder . Proponents of this change cite increased public awareness and research funding as part of the rationale. However, it is unclear whether this label debate is worthwhile or even practical for the school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP). A discussion of the benefits and challenges to a shift in language disorder labels is provided. Conclusions Although there are important arguments for consistency in labeling childhood language disorder, the reality of a label change in U.S. schools is hard to imagine. School-based services are driven by eligibility through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which has its own set of labels. There are myriad reasons why advocating for the developmental language disorder label may not be the best use of SLPs' time, perhaps the most important of which is that school SLPs have other urgent priorities.


Author(s):  
Melissa A. Pierce

In countries other than the United States, the study and practice of speech-language pathology is little known or nonexistent. Recognition of professionals in the field is minimal. Speech-language pathologists in countries where speech-language pathology is a widely recognized and respected profession often seek to share their expertise in places where little support is available for individuals with communication disorders. The Peace Corps offers a unique, long-term volunteer opportunity to people with a variety of backgrounds, including speech-language pathologists. Though Peace Corps programs do not specifically focus on speech-language pathology, many are easily adapted to the profession because they support populations of people with disabilities. This article describes how the needs of local children with communication disorders are readily addressed by a Special Education Peace Corps volunteer.


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