Raju Suma, Sam Merlyn Rachel, Niharika M K
Department of Speech-Language Pathology, JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.
Int J Lang Commun Disord. 2025 Sep-Oct;60(5):e70104. doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.70104.
Tele-practice in speech-language pathology has existed for nearly a decade, but it emerged as a solution to overcome the challenges of access issues in delivering speech-language pathology services globally, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is essential to follow up on tele-practice services following a pandemic concerning their efficacy and factors influencing their implementation as a routine or long-term service delivery method. This study investigated speech-language pathologists' perceived effectiveness and challenges of tele-practice in India.
An online survey of speech-language pathologists in India was conducted. Data from 110 speech-language pathologists were collected via Google Forms and further analysed using descriptive statistics and frequency distribution.
Results are discussed under four domains: awareness and familiarity with tele-practice, comparison between tele-practice and face-to-face sessions, challenges faced, and patient satisfaction. Although speech-language pathologists in India had good awareness, familiarity, and high patient satisfaction via tele-practice, they preferred face-to-face sessions over tele-practice.
The grounds for speech-language pathologists' perspective on tele-practice services in India are identified, and the need for reformatory measures for implementing tele-practice in India is highlighted. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS?: What is already known in this subject Tele-practice, including teletherapy and telemedicine, has been studied extensively in Western countries like the United States and several European nations. These studies generally indicate that tele-practice can be effective for delivering speech and language therapy, particularly for certain populations and conditions. Studies in other countries suggest that both therapists and clients generally find tele-practice acceptable and feasible. Therapists appreciate the flexibility and reach it offers, while clients often report high levels of satisfaction due to reduced travel time and greater convenience. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This paper specifically addresses the application of tele-practice for speech and language therapy within the Indian context. This is important because the cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic factors in India may influence the implementation and effectiveness of tele-practice compared to other regions. It explores how tele-practice can improve the accessibility of speech and language therapy services in India, especially in rural or underserved areas where traditional therapy services may be scarce. It provides empirical evidence of the effectiveness of tele-practice for speech and language therapy in India. This could include outcomes related to improvements in communication skills or overall quality of life for patients. What are the clinical applications of this study? Tele-practice can significantly improve access to speech and language therapy services, especially in geographically remote and underserved areas in India. Conducting studies within India would highlight the importance of adapting tele-practice methods to suit diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. This includes developing therapy materials in local languages and understanding the cultural beliefs that may impact communication and therapy outcomes.
言语语言病理学中的远程实践已经存在了近十年，但它作为一种解决方案出现，旨在克服在全球范围内提供言语语言病理学服务时面临的获取问题挑战，尤其是在新冠疫情期间。然而，在疫情之后，跟进远程实践服务的效果以及影响其作为常规或长期服务提供方式实施的因素至关重要。本研究调查了印度言语语言病理学家对远程实践的感知有效性和挑战。
对印度的言语语言病理学家进行了一项在线调查。通过谷歌表单收集了110名言语语言病理学家的数据，并使用描述性统计和频率分布进行了进一步分析。
结果在四个领域进行了讨论：对远程实践的认识和熟悉程度、远程实践与面对面会诊的比较、面临的挑战以及患者满意度。尽管印度的言语语言病理学家通过远程实践有良好的认识、熟悉程度和较高的患者满意度，但他们更喜欢面对面会诊而非远程实践。
确定了印度言语语言病理学家对远程实践服务看法的依据，并强调了在印度实施远程实践的改革措施的必要性。本文补充了什么内容？该主题已有的知识：远程实践，包括远程治疗和远程医疗，在美国和几个欧洲国家等西方国家已得到广泛研究。这些研究总体表明，远程实践对于提供言语和语言治疗可能是有效的，特别是对于某些人群和情况。其他国家的研究表明，治疗师和客户通常都认为远程实践是可以接受和可行的。治疗师赞赏其提供的灵活性和覆盖面，而客户通常由于旅行时间减少和更大的便利性而报告高度满意。本文对现有知识的补充：本文专门探讨了远程实践在印度言语和语言治疗中的应用。这很重要，因为与其他地区相比，印度的文化、语言和社会经济因素可能会影响远程实践的实施和有效性。它探讨了远程实践如何改善印度言语和语言治疗服务的可及性，特别是在传统治疗服务可能稀缺的农村或服务不足地区。它提供了远程实践在印度言语和语言治疗中有效性的实证证据。这可能包括与患者沟通技能改善或整体生活质量提高相关的结果。本研究的临床应用是什么？远程实践可以显著改善言语和语言治疗服务的可及性，特别是在印度地理偏远和服务不足的地区。在印度开展研究将突出调整远程实践方法以适应不同语言和文化背景的重要性。这包括用当地语言开发治疗材料以及理解可能影响沟通和治疗结果的文化信仰。
