Speech-Language Pathologist Perspectives of the Implementation of Telepractice-Delivered Stuttering Treatment for School-Age Children

Abstract

Purpose: The impact of stuttering can be significant, and effective treatment is critical. Despite evidence supporting direct treatment approaches for school-age children who stutter, a complex set of barriers can prevent access at school. One potential solution is telepractice. To date, however, there is no published evidence regarding the use of telepractice to deliver the Lidcombe Program within a school setting. Method: In this pilot study, a telepractice service was established and the perspectives of the five treating speech-language pathologists (SLPs) were evaluated before, during, and after the trial through focus groups and recorded telesupervision sessions. Results: An inductive and reflexive thematic analysis identified four main themes: (a) Understanding and managing technology is critical; (b) logistical considerations can be time-consuming and challenging; (c) preparation and support are essential; and (d) family engagement, acceptance, and independence with telepractice services can be facilitated by external support and coaching. Initially, the SLPs shared feelings of uncertainty, fear, and apprehension. Yet, despite this concern, the SLPs ultimately reported that telepractice can play an important role in their service. Conclusions: In order to maximize the potential value of telepractice, SLPs require training and support to (a) manage the technology and troubleshoot problems that invariably arise, (b) have the opportunity to watch demonstrations of the technology, and (c) clearly explain the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the parent engaging in treatment. These findings have particular relevance now, as schools and support services navigate a COVID-safe delivery model for the indefinite future.

Speech-Language Therapy Through Telepractice During COVID-19 and Its Way Forward: A Scoping Review

“…In addition, children who have speech and language pathology should start the necessary therapy as soon as possible because as the child gets older, the neural plasticity decreases, which makes it even more challenging to treat the child. For this reason, the earlier the child starts therapy, the better the outcome [ 30 ]. Moreover, persistent stuttered speech has been shown to have a significant impact on the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of both adolescents and adults [ 30 ].…”

“…For this reason, the earlier the child starts therapy, the better the outcome [ 30 ]. Moreover, persistent stuttered speech has been shown to have a significant impact on the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of both adolescents and adults [ 30 ]. For these reasons, it has become absolutely essential for the current healthcare system to rapidly transform into a new model for the delivery of healthcare services so that patients can benefit from the change [ 15 , 21 , 33 ].…”

The Necessity of Improving Information-Consulting System of Speech Therapy Support Regarding the Stuttering Issues in the Educational Structures

“…In addition, as we already have mentioned the scope of speech therapy intervention with stutterers was considered to be beyond the scope of speech therapy room and family environment, that itself even more increased the role of the information-consulting system. The questions that arise in this system became more important in terms of investing in the educational environment, as people who overcome stuttering turn to speech therapists most intensively at preschool and school age (Dragons, 2011;Erickson, Bridgman, Furlong & Stark, 2022). These circumstances were the reason for in-depth studies of the school environment, because the difficulties of both expressing and overcoming stuttering are becoming more acute particularly in the school environment.…”

“…In addition, the practical studies showed that the knowledge and information of these issues were quite limited in the practical field. Moreover, the main problems of this field were related, first, with the lack of knowledge, experience, as well as with the lack of information on the systemic management of speech therapy support system regarding the organizational side of the issue and the use of effective methods (Evangelos, 2015;Erickson, Bridgman, Furlong, & Stark, 2022).…”

Empathy Training as a Means of Preventing Bullying in Selected Secondary Schools: Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria

“…Similarly, another report indicated that 15 percent of Australian kids reported that they were bullied every week. Erickson, Bridgman, furlong, & stark, (2022). In Nigeria, a cross-sectional review was conducted on students in grades 10 and 11.…”