Perception of speech therapists and parents on use of telepractice for paediatric speech therapy in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The use of communication technology to deliver speech therapy (telepractice) was highly considered during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a few Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and parents engaged in telepractice in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it was essential to identify the factors that encouraged and prevented the successful implementation of telepractice. A descriptive cross-sectional study was followed using a sequential mixed-method approach. Thirty SLTs and sixty-two parents who use telepractice services participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected through a self–administered online survey and analysed using descriptive statistics. The telephone interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data from five SLTs and ten parents, on which thematic analysis was performed. Sixty percent of SLTs and 84% of parents considered telepractice an effective procedure similar to face–to–face therapy. However, SLTs emphasised that telepractice is applicable, subject to the child’s condition and other factors. Participants’ perception of telepractice was mainly based on their experience. Parent involvement in the speech therapy sessions was found to be high because of the implementation of asynchronous and hybrid modes of telepractice. Providing appropriate training in therapy strategies and educating parents on the use of technology may improve speech therapy services through telepractice in Sri Lanka.