As a speech-language pathologist committed to creating excellent outcomes for children, staying abreast of the latest research is essential. The recent article "Editors' Note" from the International Journal of Telerehabilitation provides invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of telerehabilitation. Here, we will explore how practitioners can implement the outcomes of this research to enhance their practice and improve service delivery in school-based settings.
One of the key takeaways from the article is the increasing relevance of hybrid approaches in telerehabilitation. The combination of virtual and in-person care is gaining traction across various disciplines, including speech-language pathology. The article highlights the need for more research to confirm the efficacy of these hybrid models. However, preliminary data suggests that hybrid approaches can offer the flexibility and comprehensive care needed to address the diverse needs of children in school settings.
Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take to implement hybrid approaches effectively:
- Assess Individual Needs: Conduct thorough assessments to determine which aspects of therapy can be effectively delivered online and which require in-person intervention. Tailoring the approach to each child's unique needs will maximize the benefits of hybrid models.
- Utilize Evidence-Based Protocols: Leverage existing protocols like the School-based Telepractice Assessment (STA) developed by Lundblom et al. (2022). This open-source audit protocol can help document whether school-based telepractice is comparable to in-person or hybrid practice. You can freely download and adapt the STA from here.
- Incorporate Multiple Modalities: Hybrid approaches are not limited to video calls. They can include asynchronous video, phone calls, emails, texts, and even hybrid interactions among teams of allied health professionals. This multi-modal approach can provide comprehensive support to children and their families.
- Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest research and practices in telerehabilitation. The International Journal of Telerehabilitation is a valuable resource that publishes biannual issues featuring impactful research across rehabilitation disciplines.
The article also underscores the importance of international collaboration and the diverse global relevance of telemedicine, telehealth, and telerehabilitation. Authors from countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United States contribute to the journal, reflecting the expanding scope and applicability of these practices worldwide.
Moreover, the journal's editor, Cohn, participated in a workshop on telehealth for disability evaluation, emphasizing the wide range of modalities encapsulated by telehealth. This includes synchronous and asynchronous video, phone, email, text, and hybrid interactions. Such a broad spectrum of modalities ensures that practitioners can choose the most effective method for each unique situation, enhancing the overall quality of care.
For practitioners interested in delving deeper into this topic, the article encourages further research into hybrid approaches. The International Journal of Telerehabilitation welcomes submissions that explore the value of these models, providing an excellent platform for sharing findings and contributing to the collective knowledge base.
In conclusion, the "Editors' Note" article offers a wealth of information that can help practitioners enhance their skills and improve outcomes for children. By embracing hybrid approaches, utilizing evidence-based protocols, incorporating multiple modalities, and engaging in continuous learning, speech-language pathologists can provide high-quality, flexible care that meets the diverse needs of children in school-based settings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Editors' Note.
