Screenless Teletherapy and Silent Telesupervision: Leveraging Technology for Innovative Service Delivery and Clinician Training in Speech-language Pathology during the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended traditional models of education and health care. Despite having a well-established evidence base, videoconferencing and related technology (i.e., “teletechnology”) were rarely utilized by most speech-language pathologists (SLPs) prior to March 2020. As operations were forced to move online, there was a rapid, unprecedented, and near-universal adoption of teletechnology for service delivery and clinical education. However, there was little time for program modification and training. Nine months later, we have settled into the transition and are able to reflect on the evidence base and potential benefits of operating through a new modality.

This report begins by outlining commonalities in theoretical models of clinical supervision and early intervention service delivery. We discuss how teletechnology fits into—and potentially enhances—the framework. Next, we summarize the historical use of technology in SLP clinical training and service delivery, specifically, how it can be leveraged to support access, processes, and outcomes. Although SLPs are trained to serve the full range of clinical populations, we focus on their role in early intervention (i.e., services for children from birth to age five). Then, we expand upon the current research evidence with a practical discussion of quickly-developing anecdotal support for innovative practices, including “screenless coaching” and “silent supervision.” Although there are significant benefits to teletechnology, we conclude by recognizing potential limitations and discussing needs for future research. This report is written from the perspective of two experienced SLPs; however, the discussion is relevant to other therapeutic fields.