Speak Out April 2020 DIGITAL VERSION. pdf

Maintaining clinical standards through TELEPRACTICE

Speech Pathology Australia is aware that interest in the use of telepractice (telehealth) has increased in response to the outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19. The following FAQs are intended to provide guidance and resources to members to responsibly implement and maintain clinical standards through telepractice. What is Speech Pathology Australia’s position on telepractice? The Association supports the use of telepractice as a service delivery model where it is based on current evidence-based practice and is at least equivalent to standard clinical care. Members who engage in telepractice need to ensure they have appropriate skills and technology and are bound by the Association’s Code of Ethics and other Core Documents. Speech pathologists are urged to become familiar with the Association's Position Statement: Telepractice in Speech Pathology . How do I know what services are appropriate to offer through telepractice? As with other methods of service delivery, speech pathologists should seek evidence related to telepractice. The Position Statement: Telepractice in Speech Pathology contains a review of current evidence. Members may also perform a search such as 'telepractice' or 'telehealth' on SpeechBITE. The evidence for some areas of practice suggest that benefit is contingent on related factors, such as having a trained support person or other health practitioner onsite with the client. Where there is no evidence published, clinicians should utilise the same decision- making process for other treatments or methods that do not yet have published evidence. SPA’s worksheet, Ethical decision making: Should I use this therapy approach? can help guide members through this process. Members are encouraged to

seek professional support from those with experience offering telepractice services. What clients are appropriate to be served through telepractice? Clinicians should assess individual client needs and determine the appropriateness of this method of service delivery on a case-by- case basis. Speech pathologists should consider any factors that may impact the provision of services, including: Sensory and physical characteristics: This may include vision, hearing, motor dexterity, physical endurance and positioning. Cognitive, behavioural and motivational characteristics: Consider attention, ability to sit and focus on a computer, understanding and perception of a remote interaction. Communication characteristics: Including auditory comprehension, sign language use, speech intelligibility, skill and need for written language, use of AAC, severity of communication deficits and their impact. Support resources: Such as availability of technology, ability of carer to support technology and service provision. (Speech Pathology Australia, 2014 and American Speech- Language-Hearing Association, n.d.) What technology is required to offer telepractice services? Acquisition and use of technology should be driven by client needs. Speech pathologists are encouraged to familiarise themselves with technology options and how they can be implemented to accommodate specific situations. Areas to consider may include: Hardware: Identify what computer will be used at clinician site

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April 2020 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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