| Title: |
Impact of Virtual Care on Speech-Language Services |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Elizabeth M. Fitzpatrick (ORCID 0000-0003-3422-4507); Allyson C. Grant; Taylor King (ORCID 0009-0004-0122-0467) |
| Source: |
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2025 60(6). |
| Availability: |
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
12 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
Speech Language Pathology; Allied Health Personnel; Telecommunications; Information Technology; Computer Mediated Communication; Foreign Countries; COVID-19; Pandemics; Children; Outcomes of Treatment; Synchronous Communication; Preferences |
| Geographic Terms: |
Canada |
| DOI: |
10.1111/1460-6984.70145 |
| ISSN: |
1368-2822; 1460-6984 |
| Abstract: |
Introduction: COVID-19 impacted care delivery in rehabilitation services including speech-language pathology. The purpose of this study was to examine speech-language pathologists'(SLPs) perspectives on the effectiveness of virtual care delivered during the pandemic in Canada, their experiences with therapy delivered virtually and their views on future models of care. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey with SLPs in Canada who had delivered virtual services to children during the pandemic. The survey questions were based on information collected in a previous study involving focus group interviews with SLPs. The survey elicited responses related to SLPs' perception of effectiveness, their experiences with virtual care including perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing virtual care, and their vision for future speech-language services. Quantitative responses were compiled descriptively, and qualitative responses were reviewed and categorized. Results: Seventy-five SLPs returned completed questionnaires. A majority (57.4%) reported that virtual care was very/extremely effective and 33.3% somewhat effective. The main barriers to providing virtual services were limited access to technology (family), limited workspace for the session at home, and limited availability of the caregiver for sessions. Services for children with complex developmental needs were viewed as more difficult to deliver virtually. Several positive aspects were highlighted including caregiver engagement in sessions and better work-life balance. The majority (84%) of SLPs indicated they would prefer to continue to use virtual care by adopting a hybrid model of service, while 8% of SLPs favored virtual care only and 8% in-person care only. Conclusions: Most SLPs reported that speech-language services via virtual care were effective. Practitioners indicated a preference for a hybrid model of care for post-pandemic services. Further research is needed to better identify what components of virtual care enhance services to better adapt service models in the future. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1489699 |
| Database: |
ERIC |