The mass integration of telepractice has caused huge changes across the entire healthcare sector, with the integration of new technological advancements opening the door to novel delivery methods that improve patient access to care and overall outcomes. Telepractice, also known as teletherapy or telehealth, involves delivering speech-language therapy services via digital platforms which allows therapists to reach clients who might not have the means or ability to receive face-to-face therapy.
These advances in online access don’t stop at just patient-level care, though, with a range of courses like the online speech pathology program and other related courses that can be undertaken, further extending the possibilities and opportunities for students to enter the field of speech therapy. This article will explore the role of telepractice and other emerging and established technologies and the way they benefit, challenge, and push boundaries for the field of speech-language therapy.
Telepractice’s emergence in speech-language therapy
In the wake of COVID-19, telepractice has gained significant traction due to the pandemic necessitating quick uptake of remote healthcare solutions, and its effects are felt by the presence of the technology continues to grow today. The American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) defines telepractice as “the delivery of services using telecommunication and Internet technology to remotely connect clinicians to clients […] for screening, assessment, intervention, consultation, and/or education.”
Telepractice’s benefits
The first and most obvious benefit of telepractice is increased accessibility for clients and practitioners alike. Speech-language therapy is now accessible in remote or underserved areas where patients have significant barriers to care, including rural communities, those with mobility issues, or those without access to a vehicle or public transportation. As a result, accessing speech-language therapy is much more convenient and flexible, especially if the idea of being outside of the home distressed patients. Eliminating these barriers can also increase the attendance rate of appointments because patients don’t have to plan around traffic, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances that could limit their ability to visit a healthcare practitioner’s office in person.
Continuity of care is also a critical benefit that cannot be ignored. Telepractice can support clients if they move interstate or just relocate further from their primary care center, and can also increase the information transmission between clinics so that patients can receive top-quality care no matter where they go. Finally, telepractice is cheap. Renting office space is never a good practice for the thrifty, and being able to downsize can also mean that these savings can be passed directly on to patients, further increasing the accessibility of care.
The challenges
Like many things, there is always a “but”. The first is technological barriers, as not all clients will have the necessary technology or internet connection to effectively recreate a physical environment through their computer screens, let alone the technological know-how to fix issues should they arise. Hosting confidential client meetings can also lead to data security risks, especially for smaller companies, and ensuring the confidentiality of this information can be an expensive endeavor. Additionally, there’s a host of licensing and regulatory issues that come with therapy across state lines, with many requiring therapists to have licensing both in the state they and the client reside in. Finally, some techniques just don’t translate well to an online environment. Certain therapeutic assessments require hands-on interaction, which is always difficult to replicate in a virtual environment, even if all of the above issues have been addressed.
Innovations in the field: What’s new in speech-language therapy?
Moving beyond telepractice, there are technological innovations that are revolutionizing speech-language therapy as we know it today. These technologies can improve intervention strategies, and the diagnostic process, and improve the overall client experience in novel ways.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices
AAC devices are tools that help those with speech or language difficulties communicate more effectively. It is a broad term, capturing low-tech solutions from picture boards to highly sophisticated speech-generating devices, which can be particularly useful for patients with cerebral palsy or aphasia.
Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) are a subcategory of AAC devices that produce spoken language output and can be modified to meet the specific needs of the user, which is useful if they are affected by other conditions. They often have a touchscreen and allow users to select words, phrases, or images that the device then vocalizes. Smartphone apps can also be used for this purpose, which can enhance the accessibility and flexibility of communicating as many patients will already own a device that can support these applications. Proloquo2Go and LAMP Words for Life are two powerful apps that are widely used and recognized in the field.
Speech therapy software and apps
Software and apps designed for speech therapy provide interactive exercises and activities that can be customized for the patient’s specific circumstances. They can make therapy sessions more engaging and can be used during sessions and for at-home practice.
Articulation therapy apps, like Articulation Station, offer activities and games to help clients practice and improve their ability to communicate verbally. Language development apps specifically target vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension, with programs like Splingo and Language Lab offering comprehensive exercises that can be excellent tools to assist with non-session practice.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
VR and AR technologies have been around for the past decade or so, and have emerged as innovative tools in speech-language therapy that can bridge immersion barriers, especially in remote sessions, and provide safe spaces for patients to practice their communication skills. VR can simulate real-life scenarios in controlled environments, making any social interaction, public speaking, or other communication-related tasks consequence-free, which can massively improve self-confidence and the development of verbal communication techniques. AR overlays information into the real world, which opens the door to more engaging activities that enhance learning and therapy using the technology – it’s immersive because it’s real!
Telepractice and the technological innovations mentioned in this article are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of how speech-language therapy works. These advancements are making therapy more convenient, accessible, and effective, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for millions of Americans living with speech and language disorders. While some challenges remain, ongoing research and development can address these issues and pave the way for more inclusive and efficient therapy-based solutions.
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