Trends in preference for conventional versus teletherapy: Perspectives of speech-language pathologists and clients in India
Vidhi Sharma, Vimala Jayakrishna Kasturi, Jitendra Kumar SainiAbstract
Purpose:
Teletherapy has emerged as an important mode of service delivery in speech-language pathology, particularly post-coronavirus disease 2019; however, its acceptance and perceived effectiveness remain varied among professionals and clients. This preliminary study explored current trends, preferences, and influencing factors for teletherapy versus conventional therapy among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and clients across India.
Materials and Methods:
Structured survey questionnaires were administered to 82 SLPs and 30 clients across India.
Results:
Results revealed that while teletherapy gained traction during the pandemic, conventional therapy continues to be the preferred mode post-pandemic due to perceived greater effectiveness, interaction, and participation. SLPs largely recommended teletherapy for milder disorders, citing disorder type, severity, and caregiver education as key factors in choosing service delivery modes. Lack of formal training and standardized telepractice guidelines were identified as major barriers.
Conclusion:
Overall, despite its convenience and cost benefits, teletherapy adoption remains limited, underscoring the need for structured training, standardized protocols, and evidence-based research to enhance its integration into clinical practice.