'We are in this together' voices of speech-language pathologists working in South African healthcare contexts during level 4 and level 5 lockdown of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has had a significant impact on every South African but more specifically healthcare professionals, including speech-language pathologists (SLPs). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa implemented a nationwide lockdown as confirmed cases continued to rise. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on SLPs has a three-fold purpose: to re-evaluate service provision, service delivery platforms and to identify the need for support to SLPs during a time of crisis. It is also crucial in guiding how policies and interventions need to be modified. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to better understand how the workspace of SLPs in hospitals was impacted by COVID-19, how they experienced this process and the implications for them as healthcare professionals in both the private and public sector throughout South Africa. METHODOLOGY: An exploratory cross-sectional study design was used to meet the aims of the study. Thirty-nine SLPs from different provinces in South Africa, working in government and private hospitals during COVID-19, responded to the online survey. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. RESULTS: SLPs' roles, responsibilities and service delivery were impacted by COVID-19. It was necessary for typical outpatient therapy services to be modified; there were changes to the role of the SLP in the hospital and inpatient services were curtailed. CONCLUSION: This study provides insightful information to SLPs employed in hospitals to know that they are experiencing similar challenges. It also confirms the resilience of healthcare professionals, including SLPs, when faced with novel and unprecedented situations.

The Implementation of Telepractice in Speech Language Pathology in Hong Kong During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the accelerated emergence of telepractice in speech language pathology during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Hong Kong-a small city with limited accessibility concern that telepractice has not been widely implemented. Method: An online survey of speech therapists in Hong Kong was conducted between February and March in 2020. The survey comprised up to 15 questions to assess participants' demographics, existing service delivery in telepractice, perception, and their training and knowledge on telepractice. Results: One hundred thirty-five speech (n = 135) speech language pathologists responded to the survey. About one-third (34.8%; n = 47) of participants reported having provided services through telepractice, whereas 72.3% of them started in <3 months and half of them considered it was less effective than face-to-face service. Among the other participants (n = 88), 83% of them indicated that unsuitable patient type and age as the main reason for not providing telepractice. The majority of participants had no prior training for delivering telepractice, and focused on technology when asked about their desired training. Knowledge of participants on telepractice was found only to align fairly with international guidelines. Discussions: The survey findings suggested that telepractice provision in Hong Kong was different from that of other countries where telepractice has been well established, due to the accelerated emergence by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The study showed how the development of telepractice would be like in a short time frame, and findings on perception and desired training could be a reference for a better establishment of this model of service.

Speech-Language Pathology Management for Adults With COVID-19 in the Acute Hospital Setting: Initial Recommendations to Guide Clinical Practice.

Purpose This document outlines initial recommendations for speech-language pathology management of adult patients with COVID-19 in the acute hospital setting. Method The authors initially developed these recommendations by adapting those developed for physical therapists working with patients with COVID-19 by Thomas et al. (2020). The recommendations then underwent review by 14 speech-language pathologists and rehabilitation-focused academics representing seven countries (Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, the United States). The authors consolidated and reviewed the feedback in order to decide what should be included or modified. Applicability to a global audience was intended throughout the document. Results The authors had 100% agreement on the elements of the recommendations that needed to be changed/modified or added. The final document includes recommendations for speech-language pathology workforce planning and preparation, caseload management, service delivery and documentation, as well as recommendations for the selection of appropriate personal protective equipment and augmentative and alternative communication equipment in the acute care hospital setting. Conclusions Speech-language pathologists play a critical role in the assessment, management, and treatment of patients with COVID-19. Several important considerations need to be made in order to meet the needs of this unique patient population. As more is learned about the impact of the virus on swallowing and communication, the role of the speech-language pathologist on interdisciplinary care teams will remain paramount.