Evaluating the Use of Telepractice to Deliver Pediatric Feeding Assessments

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
• Telehealth and Telepractice in Speech-Language Pathology
• Interrater Reliability and Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Pediatric feeding difficulties require specialized assessment and intervention.
• Telepractice offers a potential solution for expanding access to specialized services.
• Investigating the reliability and acceptability of telepractice for feeding assessments is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the interrater reliability of pediatric feeding assessments conducted via synchronous telepractice.
• To evaluate parent and clinician satisfaction with telepractice-based feeding assessments.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of telepractice for pediatric feeding evaluations.

Main Methods:

• 40 children (4 months–7 years) with feeding difficulties underwent simultaneous assessment by a telepractice speech-language pathologist (SLP) and an in-home SLP.
• A standardized assessment form covered positioning, development, oral sensorimotor function, respiratory status, eating/drinking observation, parent-child interaction, skills, and recommendations.
• Parent and clinician satisfaction questionnaires were administered post-assessment.

Main Results:

• Interrater reliability exceeded 85% for all assessment components, excluding intraoral examination.
• Telepractice was deemed effective by 90% of clinicians, with all appointments successfully conducted remotely.
• Parents reported high satisfaction, with 76% finding telepractice comparable to in-person appointments.

Conclusions:

• Synchronous telepractice is a feasible, reliable, and acceptable method for pediatric feeding assessments in home environments.
• Telepractice enhances the delivery of specialized feeding services, improving accessibility for families.
• The findings support the integration of telepractice into routine pediatric feeding assessment protocols.