Learning from caregivers: Insights into pediatric speech and language services delivered via telepractice during COVID-19

This article describes the development and administration of the Caregiver Insights of Pediatric Speech and Language Services Delivered via Telepractice During COVID-19 survey. Caregivers of children who began receiving speech and/or language services delivered via telepractice during COVID-19 were recruited to participate in this study. Participants were invited to share their impressions of telepractice during COVID-19 and why they chose to continue or discontinue this service delivery model when a return to in-person therapy became possible. This survey was developed using procedures outlined by the commonly accepted stages of questionnaire development. This process establishes content validity through: (a) identification of the survey purpose, (b) creation of an item blueprint, (c) expert panel review, and (d) interviews with end-users (i.e., parents, caregivers). Dissemination of the survey occurred through social media and field-specific forums. Sixty caregivers participated. Findings from the 35 items were analyzed using descriptive statistics and consensual qualitative research. We found that caregivers' levels of satisfaction regarding telepractice services varied. When given the option to return to in person services post-pandemic, some participants continued telepractice due to convenience and the expertise of the therapist, while others discontinued due to their child's lack of engagement. Caregivers identified successes as the presence and participation of a family member, comfortability in one's own home, and accessibility; whereas barriers such as lack of session materials, technology, and difficulty understanding directions led some to return to in-person services. These findings identify advantages and disadvantages of this service delivery model when selecting the best therapy environment for a child, as well as training topics for ongoing advancements.