Changes in speech, language and swallowing services during the Covid-19 pandemic: The perspective of speech-language pathologists in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose The study aimed to investigate changes in the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. It also assessed the SLPs’ perceptions of delivering services using telehealth as a part of their everyday clinical practice before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method SLPs in Saudi Arabia were invited to complete a web-based survey covering questions related to changes to the role of SLPs during the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the ways speech services are delivered; and the benefits and barriers of using telehealth in clinical practice as identified by SLPs. Results Ninety-one SLPs completed the survey. About 94% of the respondents experienced changes in their role as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The nature of changes they had experienced including decreased work time, providing support and counseling to patients or caregivers using the telephone, providing assessment and therapy using telehealth, and working with a limited number of cases. Ninety-three percent of the respondents who have used telehealth started to use it only during the pandemic. Mostly seen caseloads were pediatric speech and language disorders. Further, 96% of respondents used telehealth for counseling, 69% for rehabilitation or treatment, 63% for screening, 56% for evaluation or assessment, 48% for a referral to other professional services, and 46% for differential diagnosis. About 70% of the SLPs showed interest to continue using telehealth in the future. Several benefits were identified to using telehealth, including accessibility, cost efficiency, and the ability to engage patients with their families in therapy sessions. On the other hand, barriers to using telehealth included internet and technical issues, lack of direct communication, and difficulty controlling the therapy setting. Conclusions The study has shown that SLPs in Saudi Arabia have experienced changes during the COVID-19 outbreak. The survey responses also indicate that the SLPs are adopting telehealth applications at an accelerated pace as a result of the pandemic.

Impact of COVID‐19 on clinical practice of UK‐based speech and language therapists working with school‐aged children with neurodisability and oropharyngeal dysphagia: A survey

“…communication). Across the world, matching our findings, there is a suggestion that remote services will remain (Al Awaji et al, 2022;Campbell & Goldstein, 2022) with the reported benefits of hybrid services emerging (Terrell et al, 2021).…”

“…For families who were able to use telehealth, the increased links between SLTs and parents were seen as a strong positive compared to typical school-based practice where family contact was limited. The RCSLT (2020); RCSLT (2022) likewise found school closures and the move to telehealth had some positive impacts, including greater contact with parents, and reflects findings in other UK paediatric services (Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists (RCSLT), 2022) and SLT services overseas (Al Awaji et al, 2022;Eguia & Capio, 2022). It should be noted that not all our participants reported their telehealth access and skills improved, though more than the wider RCSLT member survey (54% increase in skills) (Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, 2020).…”

“…Participants reported that patients did not receive SLT services due to setting closures (33%), service approach changes (37%) and patient inability to access remote services, for example, teletherapy (21%). Globally, professionals and parents have reported reduced provision and access to in‐person and remote SLT (Al Awaji et al, 2022; Allison & Levac, 2022; Cadwgan et al, 2021). However, the RCSLT surveys had only a small response number from SLTs working with children with dysphagia ( n = 47) (Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, 2020), and their responses were not reported separately.…”

Healthcare Providers’ Perception and Barriers Concerning the Use of Telehealth Applications in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Similarly, other researchers in an exploratory study reported an urgent need to increase awareness of telemedicine among dental healthcare professionals [ 32 ]. It has also been reported that the use of and access to regular dental care are limited, and patients mostly visit the dentist for procedures [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Demand Analysis of English Language Service Value Based on Data Mining Ecosystem

“…The unique strategic benefits of language are manifested by promoting the integration of different civilizations and resolving cultural conflicts. The definition of language service is that, as a subject of behavior, it provides a helping hand to others and society through words, showing humanism and communication characteristics [3]. Content or form is expressed through its words, indicating that it has the characteristics of knowledge and tools.…”