Tele Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in India - A Short Report

Background: The discipline of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is half-a-century old in India. Speech language pathologists and audiologists (SLPs and AUDs) have identified the need to ‘reach-the-unreached’ in India by using a telehealth model for rehabilitation of persons with communication disorders. The aim of this paper is to present a panoramic view of telepractice in India right from its emergence to its current state, drawing support from a review of published work by SLPs and AUDs in India. Methods: A questionnaire was developed to elicit responses on barriers for telepractice and similarities and differences in face-to-face and telepractice of speech-language pathology service delivery. Using survey research design, 17 speech-language pathologists practicing in India were purposively selected for the study. Results: 15 questionnaires were completed. Most respondents (53.3% - 86.6%) reported technical issues as barriers for telepractice. Face-to-face and telepractice of speech language pathology service delivery was reported to be different in terms of instructions for caregivers, documentation, face validity, acceptance and responsibility on caregivers. Many participants felt that more sensitivity and caution, special ICT skills for clinician and caregiver/client, exclusive software, dedicated professionals to trouble shoot technical issues are additional requirements for telepractice. Concerns about client confidentiality were expressed and lack of direct feedback and environmental distractions at client end were reported as challenges in telepractice delivery. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that service delivery through telemodel is mostly positively embraced in India, despite the challenges.   &nbsp

A Survey of Telepractice in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in India

Telepractice has emerged as a form of service delivery to assess and treat individuals with communication disorders. The present study surveyed speech-language pathologists and audiologists in India about the use of telepractice. Two hundred and five (N=205) speech-language pathologists and audiologists responded to a questionnaire, with 12.19% reporting their use of telepractice to deliver clinical services. Respondents also indicated an urgent shortage of professionals in India to deliver clinical services in speech-language pathology and audiology, and opined that these needs can be met via the use of telepractice. India is well known throughout the world for the advanced application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with 931.95 million telephone subscribers, over 900 million mobile phone users, and the second-largest mobile phone usage in the world.  India has also experienced a tremendous rise in the number of internet users. Therefore, India is well poised to fully develop telepractice to overcome the barriers of distance and amplify the availability of speech-language pathology, audiology and other healthcare services. But first, the widespread use of telepractice throughout the nation will require an improved infrastructure (e.g., to uphold privacy and security); training for professionals; and telepractice policies. While very promising, the deployment of telepractice throughout India will require the attention of policy makers and government organizations. Keywords: Audiology, India, Speech Language Pathology, Telehealth, Telepractic