Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists' Use of Mobile Health Technology: Qualitative Questionnaire Study.
Kelsey Thompson, Emily Zimmerman
PMID 31573922WHAT IT FOUND
Most pediatric SLPs use mobile apps in practice, but usually during half or less of their clinical time.
They cite cost, limited evidence, and screen-time concerns, and want apps that help clinicians collect data and educate parents.
Key findings
0180.3% of 457 respondents used mobile apps all or some of the time, but 364 of 438 app users reported using them for 50% or less of clinical practice.
02Cost was cited by 46 of 135 responses and lack of an evidence base by 36 of 135; 34 of 131 open-ended responses raised screen-time concerns.
03268 of 380 respondents wanted more technology available, and 51 of 202 responses said evidence-based apps would make them more likely to use apps.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
Participants were recruited through social media groups and emails, so they may already have been engaged with technology. The 485 participants represented 0.65% of certified pediatric SLPs, and respondents from 45 states were not proportional to the population. The sample was younger than typical ASHA membership and mostly white, which limits generalizability. Incomplete responses were analyzed, and multiple entries or unusual completion times were not checked. The survey reported clinician use and opinions, not patient outcomes. Some respondents may not have understood the survey definition of technology and could have included other devices or procedures.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the fact that most pediatric SLPs reported using apps as evidence that apps improve therapy outcomes. The survey measured clinician use and opinions, not patient progress.