As we’ve noted elsewhere, travelling even short distances to the clinic can be hard for some families. Speech pathology by telehealth is convenient and the evidence-base supporting its use is growing, especially in areas of practice like stuttering (e.g. Bridgman, 2014).
But telehealth has its disadvantages, too. Compared to face-to-face therapy:
- families are more likely to cancel appointments at short notice;
- you don’t have as much control over preparations, resources or whether the parent and client are prepared for your call;
- parents and clients are more likely to get up and leave the room during therapy; and
- siblings are more likely to wander in and interrupt (e.g. Bridgman et al., 2015).
Our Telehealth Guidelines are designed to help you explain to clients what you need from them to deliver effective speech therapy via telehealth to their child.
Click here for our Guidelines for Speech Therapy by Telehealth.
Related products:
- Lidcombe Program Stuttering Activities: Volume 2 (10 low-prep printable activities for face-to-face and Skype therapy) (from our Teachers Pay Teachers store)
Principal source: Bridgman, K., Block, S., & O’Brian, S. (2015). Webcam delivery of the Lidcombe Program: Insights from a clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 17(3), 125-129.