In the quest to provide the best possible outcomes for children who stutter, practitioners must continually explore and evaluate different service delivery models. A recent study titled "Stuttering Intervention in Three Service Delivery Models (Direct, Hybrid, and Telepractice): Two Case Studies" offers valuable insights into how telepractice can be an effective tool in stuttering intervention. Here, we summarize key findings and discuss how you can apply these insights to improve your practice.
Understanding the Study
The study compared three service delivery models for stuttering intervention:
- Direct: Traditional in-person therapy sessions.
- Hybrid: A combination of in-person and telepractice sessions.
- Telepractice: Therapy sessions conducted entirely online.
Two 11-year-old children participated in the study, receiving therapy across these three models. Their progress was measured using the Stuttering Severity Instrument, Fourth Edition (SSI-4) and weekly fluency samples.
Key Findings
The study found that both children showed improvements in fluency across all three service delivery models. Here are some key takeaways:
- Fluency Improvement: Both children demonstrated a significant reduction in stuttered syllables, with the most dramatic improvements occurring during the direct treatment period.
- Consistency: The hybrid and telepractice models maintained these gains, indicating that telepractice is a viable option for ongoing stuttering intervention.
- Communication Attitudes: Both participants showed improved attitudes toward communication, although the scores remained higher than those of children who do not stutter.
- Parental and Child Satisfaction: Both parents and children reported positive experiences with telepractice, citing convenience and flexibility as major benefits.
Implementing Telepractice in Your Practice
Based on these findings, practitioners can consider incorporating telepractice into their service delivery models. Here are some practical steps:
- Start with a Hybrid Model: Begin with a combination of in-person and telepractice sessions to build rapport and ease the transition.
- Train for Telepractice: Ensure that both practitioners and clients are comfortable with the technology and understand the privacy concerns.
- Monitor Progress: Use standardized tools like the SSI-4 and weekly fluency samples to track progress and make data-driven decisions.
- Engage Parents: Involve parents in the therapy process to ensure consistency and support at home.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides promising results, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term efficacy of telepractice in stuttering intervention. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and consider participating in studies to contribute to the growing body of evidence.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Stuttering Intervention in Three Service Delivery Models (Direct, Hybrid, and Telepractice): Two Case Studies.
