The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the landscape of healthcare delivery, and speech-language pathology (SLP) is no exception. A recent study titled Changes in speech, language and swallowing services during the Covid-19 pandemic: The perspective of speech-language pathologists in Saudi Arabia offers invaluable insights into these changes, particularly the accelerated adoption of telehealth. Here, we explore how these findings can be leveraged to enhance pediatric speech therapy practices.
Key Findings from the Study
The study surveyed 91 SLPs in Saudi Arabia, revealing that 94% experienced changes in their roles due to the pandemic. Key changes included:
- Decreased work hours
- Support and counseling via telephone
- Assessment and therapy through telehealth
- Working with a limited number of cases
Importantly, 93% of the respondents who used telehealth began doing so only during the pandemic. Telehealth was utilized for various purposes:
- 96% for counseling
- 69% for rehabilitation or treatment
- 63% for screening
- 56% for evaluation or assessment
The benefits of telehealth identified in the study include increased accessibility, cost efficiency, and enhanced family engagement in therapy sessions. However, barriers such as internet issues, lack of direct communication, and difficulty in controlling the therapy setting were also noted.
Implementing Telehealth in Pediatric Speech Therapy
Given the high level of interest in continuing telehealth post-pandemic (70% of SLPs), practitioners should consider integrating telehealth into their standard practices. Here are some strategies to effectively implement telehealth:
- Training and Education: Invest in training programs for SLPs to become proficient in telehealth technologies and methodologies.
- Infrastructure: Ensure robust internet connectivity and reliable telehealth platforms to mitigate technical issues.
- Family Engagement: Develop strategies to involve family members in therapy sessions, enhancing the support system for the child.
- Customization: Tailor telehealth sessions to meet the individual needs of each child, ensuring that therapy remains effective and engaging.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of telehealth in SLP, there is a need for further research to explore long-term outcomes and best practices. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or conduct research to continue improving telehealth services. Potential areas of research include:
- Effectiveness of telehealth in treating specific speech and language disorders
- Comparative studies between telehealth and in-person therapy outcomes
- Patient and caregiver satisfaction with telehealth services
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Changes in speech, language and swallowing services during the Covid-19 pandemic: The perspective of speech-language pathologists in Saudi Arabia.
