What are the perspectives of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists on using telehealth videoconferencing for service delivery to children with developmental delays? A systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: To identify the attitudes and perspectives of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists on using telehealth videoconferencing for service delivery to children with developmental delays.

Design: Systematic Literature Review.

Method: An electronic search of databases Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PEDro, Speechbite, OTseeker and ScienceDirect was undertaken in October 2020. Articles were compared with eligibility criteria by 2 authors. All articles were appraised for quality and level of evidence.

Findings: Fourteen studies were deemed to be eligible. Results were synthesised using a narrative analysis. The themes identified were technology, self-efficacy, replacement of face-to-face services, time management, relationships, access and family-centred care. Each of these themes was seen as both a potential barrier and a facilitator when trying to provide services via telehealth.

Conclusions: The results in this review cannot be generalised due to small sampling size, low response rates, lack of maximum variation sampling and under-representation of occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Study design was either mixed-methods survey or interview or only survey or interview. Risk of bias in studies was high. Further research is required including comparison studies and cost-benefit analysis.

Keywords: attitudes; occupational therapy; perspectives; physiotherapy; speech pathology; telepractice and children.