Exploring the Feasibility of Implementing Telepractice Innovation for Speech-Language Pathologists in Thailand

Abstract

Background: The speech clinic at Ramathibodi Hospital has been using telepractice for 2 years. These outcomes have clearly shown many benefits. It is a new system in Thailand that has not been studied in terms of innovation before. Objective: To explore the possibility of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Thailand implementing the telepractice innovation through a survey of their attitudes toward the characteristics, diffusion, and limitations of innovation. Methods: In this survey study, SLPs responded to a questionnaire. Data regarding SLPs’ attitudes toward telepractice innovation were collected and then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 86 SLPs responded, who agreed characteristics, diffusion, and both were 54.66%, 45.34%, and 37.21%, respectively, most of them used telepractice. SLPs who used telepractice expressed limitations from patients at 52.24% and SLPs who did not use telepractice expressed limitations from systems at 47.36%. Conclusions: SLPs in Thailand equally expressed attitudes of agreement and disagreement toward the characteristics and diffusion of telepractice innovation. However, SLPs who used telepractice agreed more than those who did not. SLPs agreed on the characteristic of telepractice innovation, though not all of them agreed to the diffusion of telepractice. The limitations of telepractice innovation depended on SLPs’ telepractice experience, occurring from patients for SLPs who used telepractice, but from the system for SLPs who did not. Therefore, telepractice may be an option that can be used according to the needs of the patients and its appropriateness for specific situations.