Your browser doesn't support javascript.
The Implementation of Telepractice in Speech Language Pathology in Hong Kong During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Fong, Raymond; Tsai, Chun Fung; Yiu, Oi Yan.
  • Fong R; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
  • Tsai CF; Institute of Human Communicative Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
  • Yiu OY; Speech Therapy Department, Methodist Centre, Hong Kong.
Telemed J E Health ; 27(1): 30-38, 2021 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1066234
ABSTRACT

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.
Subject(s)
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Speech Therapy / Speech-Language Pathology / Telemedicine / COVID-19 / Language Therapy Type of study: Observational study / Qualitative research Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Aged / Child / Child, preschool / Humans / Infant / Middle aged / Young adult Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Telemed J E Health Journal subject: Medical Informatics / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Tmj.2020.0223

Similar

MEDLINE

...
LILACS

LIS


Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Speech Therapy / Speech-Language Pathology / Telemedicine / COVID-19 / Language Therapy Type of study: Observational study / Qualitative research Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Aged / Child / Child, preschool / Humans / Infant / Middle aged / Young adult Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Telemed J E Health Journal subject: Medical Informatics / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Tmj.2020.0223