Logopedics, Vol. 13 No. 1, 2023.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31299/log.13.1.4
Challenge of teletherapy - Speech and Language therapy under the shadow Of COVID-19
Darija Hercigonja Salamoni
; Poliklinika za rehabilitaciju slušanja i govora SUVAG, Centar za rehabilitaciju i ranu podršku u zajednici, Ul. kneza Ljudevita Posavskog 10, 10000, Zagreb
Ana Rendulić
; Poliklinika za rehabilitaciju slušanja i govora SUVAG, Logopedska služba za dijagnostiku i terapiju, Ul. kneza Ljudevita Posavskog 10, 10000, Zagreb
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 necessitated the temporary suspension of in-person
speech therapy services, leading to a significant surge in the utilization of telepractice within the healthcare system.
Understanding the clients’ opinions, satisfaction, and preferences regarding teletherapy is crucial for evaluating its
effectiveness and future integration. This study aimed to explore the advantages and disadvantages of teletherapy
as perceived by clients, as well as their perspectives on its implementation beyond the context of the COVID-19
pandemic. A web-based survey titled “Speech and Language Teletherapy - Clients’ Experience” was developed
and completed by 252 participants. The survey targeted clients above the age of sixteen capable of responding
independently and parents/guardians of those who could not, as well as parents/guardians of children under
sixteen receiving teletherapy within the healthcare system. The survey consisted of 19 questions designed to
gather data on client experiences with teletherapy. Among the respondents, 79.2% expressed satisfaction with
the teletherapy services provided. The most significant advantages reported were the availability of speech
therapy during isolation and/or illness, as well as its the continuity. Out of the total respondents, 54.46% (137
individuals) believed that teletherapy should continue as a regular form of speech and language therapy even
after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings from the analysis of participant responses regarding satisfaction
and perceived advantages of speech and language teletherapy suggest the potential integration of teletherapy
as a routine offering within the speech and language therapy services of the Republic of Croatia’s healthcare
system. The perspectives and preferences of clients, as outlined in this study, can guide future policy decisions and
facilitate the effective and sustainable integration of teletherapy services beyond the pandemic era.
Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic, teletherapy, speech and language therapy, client experience, healthcare system
Hrčak ID:
308617
URI
Publication date:
9.10.2023.
Visits: 969 *