Development of Training Protocol and Application for Speech Language Pathologists on Teletherapy: A Contemporary Approach to Speech Language Therapy

The goal of this mixed-methods study is to develop and evaluate a teletherapy training protocol and a dedicated teletherapy application for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in Pakistan. It will also assess the effectiveness, usability, and acceptability of these tools among SLPs and patients receiving speech-language therapy services. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can a standardized teletherapy training protocol be developed and validated for Speech-Language Pathologists? Can a teletherapy application improve the delivery and effectiveness of speech-language therapy services? What are the perceptions, experiences, and satisfaction levels of SLPs and patients regarding teletherapy? Does the use of the developed protocol and application improve the quality and accessibility of speech-language therapy services? Researchers will assess the effectiveness of the developed protocol and application by comparing outcomes before and after implementation among Speech-Language Pathologists and patients receiving teletherapy services. Participants will: Complete questionnaires regarding teletherapy practices, satisfaction, effectiveness, and challenges. Participate in structured interviews to share experiences and perceptions of teletherapy. Contribute to the development and validation of a teletherapy training protocol through expert consultation. Use the developed teletherapy application for speech and language intervention. Participate in evaluations to assess the effectiveness, usability, and acceptability of the protocol and application. The expected outcome of the study is the development of a validated teletherapy protocol and a comprehensive teletherapy application that can standardize telepractice and improve the accessibility and quality of speech-language pathology services in Pakistan.