Telerehabilitation for Speech-Language Pathology in Community- Based Rehabilitation in the Philippines: A Feasibility Study

Background: Filipino speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can reach more persons with disabilities across 7,107 Philippine islands through telerehabilitation (also known as teletherapy, telepractice). This study described the feasibility of telerehabilitation for speech-language pathology in community-based rehabilitation in terms of appropriate information and communication technologies (ICT), stakeholder perspectives, and facilitators and barriers. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Participants were purposely selected as telerehabilitation stakeholders. One metropolitan-based SLP conducted remote and synchronous therapy sessions to two persons with voice disorders (52 and 65 years old) in their homes, assisted by one primary caregiver each and one community-based rehabilitation worker (CBRW). ICT observations were logged as field notes. Stakeholder perspectives were obtained through participant journals and interviews, thematically analyzed using NVIVO, and validated by participants. Facilitators and barriers were derived from data triangulation of field notes, journals, and interviews. Results: The best ICT comprised of fastest wireless internet available (7.2 Mbps), MacBookTM laptop, and FaceTimeTM videoconferencing application. Stakeholders had varied yet positive perspectives. The SLP focused on ICT requirements and intervention conduct. The families saw telerehabilitation benefits of cost-effectiveness and intervention effectiveness. Both SLP and the families were satisfied as telerehabilitation providers and consumers. CBRW appreciated intervention effectivity. The only barrier to telerehabilitation was low internet bandwidth. Facilitators to telerehabilitation were stronger CBR policies and SLP capacity development. Conclusion: Telerehabilitation is feasible in speech-language pathology within communitybased rehabilitation in the Philippines, given community-appropriate ICT and positive experiences of stakeholders. It can flourish with faster internet, stronger community health policies, and empowering stakeholders.