The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to rethink how we deliver essential services, including speech therapy for children with cleft palate. A recent study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology highlights the efficacy of telepractice (TP) in improving speech performance in children with cleft palate (CCP). The research presents compelling evidence that TP can significantly improve compensatory articulation (CA) in these children, offering a viable alternative to in-person therapy sessions.
Here are some key findings from the study:
- At the onset of the TP intervention period, 84% of the patients demonstrated severe CA.
- After one month of TP, there was a statistically significant improvement in the severity of CA (p<0.001).
The study involved 43 children aged 4-12 years, who participated in 45-minute TP sessions twice a week for one month. The sessions followed the principles of the Whole Language Model (WLM), focusing on correcting articulation patterns involved in CA. The results indicate that TP can be a safe and reliable tool for improving speech outcomes in CCP.
So, how can practitioners implement these findings to improve their skills and create better outcomes for children?
1. Embrace Telepractice
Given the significant improvements observed in the study, practitioners should consider integrating TP into their service delivery models. This is especially crucial during times when in-person sessions are not feasible.
2. Utilize the Whole Language Model
The WLM provides a comprehensive framework for addressing various linguistic areas, making it particularly effective for CCP. Practitioners should consider adopting this model to enhance the efficacy of their TP sessions.
3. Leverage Technology
Platforms like ZOOM.US can facilitate real-time interactions, making it easier to engage children and their families. Ensure that parents are well-instructed on how to use these platforms to maximize the benefits of TP.
4. Focus on Articulation Strategies
Effective articulation strategies such as modeling, phonemic cues, and verbal expansions should be integrated into TP sessions. These strategies help in providing contextually appropriate opportunities for children to practice and improve their articulation.
5. Conduct Further Research
While the study presents promising results, it also highlights the need for further research involving larger and more diverse groups of patients. Practitioners should consider contributing to or conducting additional studies to validate and expand upon these findings.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telepractice in speech therapy, offering new opportunities for improving outcomes in children with cleft palate. By embracing TP and leveraging the findings from this study, practitioners can continue to provide high-quality care even in challenging times.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Speech pathology telepractice for children with cleft palate in the times of COVID-19 pandemic.
