In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, pediatric speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have an incredible opportunity to leverage mobile health (mHealth) technology to enhance clinical outcomes. A recent study titled Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists Use of Mobile Health Technology: Qualitative Questionnaire Study provides valuable insights into the current use and barriers of mobile apps in pediatric speech-language pathology.
Key Findings from the Study
The study surveyed 485 pediatric SLPs and found that:
- 83.1% of pediatric SLPs use technology in their clinical work less than 50% of the time.
- SLPs primarily use apps for intervention (36.1%), clinical information (21.8%), and parent education (13.7%).
- Barriers to technology use include cost (34.1%) and lack of an evidence base (26.7%).
- 70.7% of SLPs desire more technology use in their practice.
Improving Clinical Practice with mHealth
To effectively integrate mHealth technology into your practice, consider the following strategies:
- Focus on Evidence-Based Apps: Seek out apps that have a solid research foundation to ensure their effectiveness in therapy.
- Address Cost Barriers: Explore free trials or low-cost apps to evaluate their utility before making a financial commitment.
- Utilize Apps for Data Collection: Leverage technology to streamline data recording and assessment, making it easier to track client progress.
- Educate Parents: Use apps to provide parents with educational resources, enhancing their involvement in their child's therapy.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the need for more research on the effectiveness of mobile apps in speech-language pathology. As practitioners, we can contribute to this growing body of knowledge by:
- Participating in studies and surveys related to mHealth technology.
- Sharing our experiences and outcomes with colleagues and researchers.
- Advocating for the development of more affordable, evidence-based apps.
By embracing mHealth technology and advocating for further research, we can enhance our clinical practice and create better outcomes for the children we serve.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists Use of Mobile Health Technology: Qualitative Questionnaire Study.
