The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed how speech-language therapy services are delivered. The transition to telepractice has been rapid, driven by necessity. However, understanding the efficacy and preferences for this mode of service delivery remains crucial. A recent study titled "Parents’ and Students’ Perceptions of Telepractice Services for Speech-Language Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey Study" offers valuable insights for practitioners.
Understanding Telepractice Efficacy
The study, conducted in Hong Kong, surveyed 85 parents and 41 students who received telepractice services during the pandemic. Despite initial skepticism, both parents and students rated telepractice efficacy positively. The results indicated:
- Parents’ ratings of telepractice efficacy: 95% CI 3.30-3.66
- Students’ ratings of telepractice efficacy: 95% CI 3.21-3.76
These findings suggest that telepractice can effectively enhance language skills and meet the needs of students. However, both groups believed that on-site practices were more effective.
Preferences for Service Delivery Modes
The study revealed a preference disparity between parents and students. While students did not show a significant preference for either mode, parents preferred on-site practices:
- Parents’ preference for on-site practices: 95% CI 2.04-2.43
- Students’ neutral preference: 95% CI 2.74-3.41
Interestingly, a significant correlation was found between telepractice efficacy and students’ preference for telepractice (t=.43, P<.001), but not for parents (t=.07; P=.44). This suggests that students' positive experiences with telepractice influence their acceptance of this mode.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of:
- Proactive communication: Regular updates and feedback to parents can build trust and confidence in telepractice services.
- Engagement strategies: Enhancing student engagement through interactive and personalized telepractice sessions can improve outcomes.
- Technical support: Providing technical assistance to parents can alleviate their concerns and improve the overall telepractice experience.
Encouraging Further Research
The study's limitations, including a limited sample size and age range, highlight the need for further research. Future studies should explore:
- The long-term efficacy of telepractice services
- The impact of comorbidities on telepractice outcomes
- Differences in telepractice acceptance across various age groups
Conclusion
This study provides compelling evidence that telepractice is a viable alternative for delivering speech-language therapy. By addressing parents' concerns and enhancing student engagement, practitioners can leverage telepractice to create positive outcomes for children.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
Parents’ and Students’ Perceptions of Telepractice Services for Speech-Language Therapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey Study.
