World Class Speech Services telepractice consultation and development services can help companies and organizations to expand and develop your telepractice programs in both functional and practical application. We train clinical and administrative professionals for the purpose of:
- Setting up and confirming remote technological modes of communication.
- Appropriate assessment and therapeutic modifications that accommodate client needs in a remote setting.
- Maintenance of client confidentiality in all settings, especially online (cybersecurity, HIPAA).
- Recognizing and overcoming technology obstacles to provide services that are at a high level and seamless in delivery.
- Instruction of caregivers and support personnel in carryover and reinforcement of skills that can be measured consistently to maintain quality of service.
- Evidence-based practice and sustainable business management
8 key considerations for technology adoption and needs, as well as the cost-benefit analysis that takes place for decision making and purchasing decisions, include: (O’Reilly 2016)
- Self-Assessment Skill Level
- Technology Use and Integration
- Teacher Beliefs
- Barriers to Access
- Professional Development Resources
- Leadership
- Needs and Wants
- Demographics
5 Steps to a Successful Technology Needs Assessment (Walker 2018)
- Survey management and staff re: frustrations they have with the existing technology
- Review all of the existing technology
- Determine which tech needs to be retired, replaced, for new hardware and software.
- Research platforms and review. Consult with a technical expert, as necessary.
- Routinely schedule checks and re-assessments
Telepractice is a growing method of delivery of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology services as expressed by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). It provides an alternative method of reaching more clients through remote means that are supported through technological advances from one location to another. ASHA has established guidelines for telepractice and states “ongoing education and training is required to maintain expertise and familiarity with changes in technology and potential clinical applications.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE COURSE: Behind the Screen in Telepractice Technology Course
In the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the growth of telepractice has pushed the necessity beyond many people’s knowledge base and forced the quick adaptation of technological resources to fit the consumers’ needs.
There are numerous client/patient/student settings for telepractice in the field:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Day care centers
- Private practices
- Residences
Clients have shown a need for telepractice due to factors such as:
- Remote location
- Inclement weather
- Transportation
- Shortage of qualified SLPs
- Cost
- Efficiency
Evidence has been established through research, that telepractice is well received by the clients and can be as effective as face-to-face services. The areas of SLP that have been addressed through telepractice include:
- Aphasia
- Fluency
- Articulation
- Accent modification
- Language disorders
- Cognitive disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disabilities
- Voice disorders
- Dysarthria
- Dysphagia
Research references
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Telepractice: Overview. http://www.asha.org/Practice-Portal/Professional-Issues/Telepractice/
American TeleMedicine Association (2020), ATA’S quick-start guide to telehealth during a health crisis. https://info.americantelemed.org/covid-19-resources-quickstart-guide-landing
O’Reilly, E.N., (2016), Developing technology needs assessments for educational programs: An analysis of eight key indicators, International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT), Vol. 12, Issue 1, pp. 129-143, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1099589.pdf
Walker, C., (2018). Steps to a Successful Technology Needs Assessment, https://allianceitllc.com/technology-needs-assessment/