Key Findings from the Research
The study surveyed 255 Croatian SLPs, revealing several critical insights:- 60% of SLPs provided direct therapy via telepractice during the pandemic.
- Age and years of experience did not significantly influence the decision to adopt telepractice; however, the system of employment did.
- SLPs in healthcare and private practice were more likely to implement direct therapy compared to those in educational settings.
- Client refusal of telepractice was primarily due to lack of technical resources and the need for additional family engagement.
- SLPs who felt competent in using telepractice reported higher satisfaction levels.
Practical Applications for SLPs
Based on these findings, here are some practical applications for SLPs:1. Enhance Technical Competence
Given that a lack of technical resources was a significant barrier, it's crucial for SLPs to become proficient with various telepractice tools and platforms. This includes understanding how to troubleshoot common technical issues and ensuring clients have access to the necessary equipment.
2. Focus on Client Selection
Not all clients may be suitable for telepractice. Factors such as age, clinical complexity, and family support should be considered when selecting clients for telepractice. This targeted approach can enhance the effectiveness of therapy.
3. Engage and Educate Families
Family involvement is crucial for the success of telepractice, especially for younger clients. Educating families about the benefits and logistics of telepractice can help mitigate some of the challenges related to family engagement.
4. Continuous Professional Development
SLPs who felt competent in using telepractice were more satisfied with this mode of service delivery. Therefore, continuous professional development, including formal training in telepractice, can enhance both competence and satisfaction.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research. Future studies should focus on:
- Long-term outcomes of telepractice.
- Effectiveness of telepractice for different age groups and clinical conditions.
- Best practices for family engagement in telepractice.
By conducting and applying further research, SLPs can continue to refine and improve telepractice, ensuring it remains a viable and effective service delivery model.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Telepractice as a Reaction to the COVID-19 Crisis: Insights from Croatian SLP Settings.
