Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of Speech Therapists regarding Telepractice in Pediatric Voice Therapy: Insights from the Post-COVID Era

Background & Purpose: Telepractice is an alternative service delivery model for behavioral voice therapy. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telepractice, yet several survey studies have revealed challenges in its implementation. Issues such as poor internet connectivity, inadequate technological equipment, parental concerns regarding treatment effectiveness, and insufficient training and guidelines for online therapy have been hindering the use of remote treatment. Despite these barriers, the rapid advancement of information technology infrastructure, including platforms like Zoom, has facilitated online therapy. Moreover, both service providers and users have gained valuable experience in utilizing online therapy platforms since the pandemic. Consequently, research is needed to investigate the current knowledge, attitude and practices of speech therapists toward online voice therapy, especially to the pediatric population, in the evolving post-pandemic context. This study has three objectives: 1) To examine the pattern of telepractice use for pediatric voice therapy in Hong Kong; 2) To examine the knowledge, attitude and practice of online pediatric voice therapy as a service modality by speech therapists in Hong Kong; and 3) To identify gaps in the current telepractice service model for pediatric voice therapy and additional support necessary to promote and enhance online service delivery.

Methods: Practicing speech therapists in Hong Kong who have prior experience providing voice treatment to children were invited to complete an anonymous survey, delivered online via Qualtrics. The survey was developed based on a review of similar survey studies reported in the literature and expert inputs. It comprised of 26 questions to assess clinicians’ knowledge, perceptions, attitude and practice toward conducting tele-voice therapy for children before, during and post-COVID-19 period.

Results: (Data collection was in progress at the time this abstract was submitted. Full set of data will be presented at the Congress). Responses from at least 60 practicing speech therapists are to be collected. It is anticipated that the results obtained from frontline clinicians will shed light on the future development of conducting tele-voice-therapy for children.

[This study was funded by RGC General Research Fund (Ref No.: 17602322)]