Evaluating caregiver satisfaction with speech and language teletherapy: a comprehensive survey on effectiveness and accessibility

Abstract Aim This study aimed to evaluate caregiver satisfaction with teletherapy and identify factors influencing perceptions across various demographic and therapy-related variables. Methods A comprehensive survey of 16 multiple-choice questions was administered to 114 caregivers of children with different speech and language disorders who had received teletherapy services. Satisfaction was assessed across multiple domains by questionnaire, including overall satisfaction, communication, understanding of needs, accessibility, convenience, progress toward goals, technology experience, and likelihood to recommend teletherapy. Data were collected and analyzed to examine differences by caregiver and child demographics, duration of teletherapy, and previous therapy experience. Results The caregiver age or gender or the age of the child showed no significant differences in satisfaction scores. However, younger caregivers showed a higher overall satisfaction, communication, and likelihood to recommend teletherapy. Female children scored significantly higher in communication ( p = 0.013) and in other domains. Satisfaction was significantly influenced by duration of teletherapy. Caregivers without prior face-to-face therapy experience reported significantly higher overall satisfaction, technology experience, convenience, and likelihood to recommend teletherapy. Caregivers of children with ADHD and autism reported the lowest satisfaction, while those of children with semantic-pragmatic disorders showed moderate satisfaction levels. Conclusion Younger caregivers showed higher satisfaction with teletherapy. Also, longer therapy duration and absence of prior face-to-face therapy experience contributed to better perceptions. The lower satisfaction among caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders highlights the need for tailored teletherapy interventions. Future studies should address the unique challenges of these groups and explore strategies to improve satisfaction across diverse populations.