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Merrick H, Driver H, Main C, Potts L, Russell S, Exley C, Allard A, Morris C, Parr JR, Pennington L. Professional perspectives on facilitators and barriers for high quality provision of health, education and social care services to disabled children in England during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e085143. [PMID: 39181564 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand how health, education and social care services for disabled children changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, what did or did not work well and what the impacts of service changes were on both professionals and families. DESIGN Qualitative study using semistructured interviews. SETTING Telephone and video call interviews and focus groups with professionals working in one of five local authority areas in England. PARTICIPANTS 78 health, education and social care professionals working with children in one of five local authority areas in England. RESULTS There was a significant disruption to services and reduced contact with families during the early stages of the pandemic; nevertheless, professionals were able to reflect on innovative ways they interacted with and sought to support and maintain health, education and social care provision to disabled children and their families. As waitlists have substantially increased, this and the longevity of the pandemic were perceived to have had negative consequences for staff health and well-being, the health and psychosocial outcomes of children and young people, and their parent carers. CONCLUSIONS Key learning from this study for service recovery and planning for future emergencies is the need to be able to identify disabled children, classify their level of need and risk, assess the impact of loss of services and maintain clear communication across services to meet the needs of disabled children. Finally, services need to work collaboratively with families to develop child-centred care to strengthen resilience during service disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Merrick
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Helen Driver
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Chloe Main
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lily Potts
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Siân Russell
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Catherine Exley
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amanda Allard
- Council for Disabled Children, London, UK
- National Children's Bureau, London, UK
| | - Christopher Morris
- PenCRU, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jeremy R Parr
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lindsay Pennington
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Morgan S, Weir KA, Mulligan K, Jacobs S, Hilari K. Impact of COVID-19 on clinical practice of UK-based speech and language therapists working with school-aged children with neurodisability and oropharyngeal dysphagia: A survey. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13159. [PMID: 37555626 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and response changed clinical service delivery and practice for speech and language therapists (SLTs) in the United Kingdom. SLTs work with children with neurodisability regarding both difficulties with their communication and eating and drinking skills (oropharyngeal dysphagia). This survey aimed to specifically explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SLT practice for school-aged children with dysphagia. METHODS UK-based SLTs working with school-aged children with neurodisability and oropharyngeal dysphagia were recruited to share their perceptions on the impact of COVID-19 on practice. Four questions focusing on COVID-19 impact were part of a larger online survey exploring SLT clinical practice regarding mealtime management of children with neurodisability and oropharyngeal dysphagia, which included demographic information, service delivery, assessment and intervention practices. COVID-19 impact questions were a mixture of multiple choice and free text responses. The survey was disseminated using professional networks and social media, between 14 May and 30 July 2021. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. RESULTS One hundred and two participants answered at least one of the four COVID-19 questions. Eighty-two per cent of SLTs either agreed or strongly agreed that COVID-19 impacted on service delivery to children and families. Negative impacts on service delivery included school absences/closures, home visiting restrictions, families declining input and/or having barriers to telehealth use and the impact of mask wearing on interactions. Positive impacts included increased telehealth access and skills, increased contact with families and focus on children's eating and drinking function within the home environment. Participants aimed to maintain the increased contact with families alongside a hybrid service delivery approach of in-person and virtual appointments. CONCLUSIONS This survey provides novel information capturing SLT practice change across two waves of COVID-19 and return to in-person practice for UK children with neurodisability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Morgan
- Department of Language & Communication Science, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Kelly A Weir
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University; Gold Coast Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kathleen Mulligan
- City, University of London, East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Katerina Hilari
- Department of Language & Communication Science, City, University of London, London, UK
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Binkhamis G, Perugia E, Alyahya RSW. Telehealth Awareness, Perception, Practice, and Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire to Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:223-233. [PMID: 37486730 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The objective of this work was to investigate Speech-Language Pathologists' (SLPs) and audiologists' telehealth awareness, experience, and perception in terms of applicability, effectiveness, barriers, facilitators, and the influence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on telehealth practice. Methods: A questionnaire was developed and validated based on relevant literature, authors' clinical expertise, and a published survey. Sample size was determined through power analysis, and participants were recruited using a snowball-sampling technique. Results: Ninety-five (n = 95) clinicians completed a survey. A majority (87.4%) reported awareness of and 68.4% reported experience with telehealth. The SLPs (86.4%) had more experience than audiologists (38.9%). Overall, 78.5% first used telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with no significant difference in telehealth use during versus after the pandemic lockdown; 63.8% reported telehealth being less effective than in-person. However, there were differences in perceived telehealth effectiveness: Telehealth was significantly more effective for consultations and counseling, with adults aged 18-40 years; and clients with fluency and speech sound disorders. The highest significant barrier to telehealth delivery was network issues, and available workplace resources was the highest facilitator although this was not significant. Conclusions: Most clinicians were aware of telehealth, had a positive attitude toward it, and had experience using telehealth. More SLPs than audiologists used telehealth. The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive influence on telehealth service provision with an increase in use that was maintained after in-person services were re-initiated. Perceived effectiveness of telehealth services varied depending on the type of clinical service, the client's age, and diagnosis. These factors must be considered while planning telehealth services in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Binkhamis
- Communication and Swallowing Disorders Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Manchester Centre for Audiology & Deafness, Division of Human Communication, Development and Hearing, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Emanuele Perugia
- Manchester Centre for Audiology & Deafness, Division of Human Communication, Development and Hearing, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Reem S W Alyahya
- Communication and Swallowing Disorders Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Language and Communication Sciences, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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The Intersection of Health Rehabilitation Services with Quality of Life in Saudi Arabia: Current Status and Future Needs. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11030389. [PMID: 36766964 PMCID: PMC9914340 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Quality of life (QoL) is essential for maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle, especially among individuals with chronic diseases. Saudi Arabia (SA) launched a health sector transformation program as part of the nationwide Vision 2030 initiative to ensure the sustainable development of efficient healthcare services, aiming to improve health by increasing well-being and QoL. More investigation into the current status of health rehabilitation services provided to individuals with chronic diseases and future needs to optimize services and improve QoL is needed. This was narratively discussed by experts from different health rehabilitation services in SA. Comprehensive health rehabilitation services including orthopedic, occupational, cardiac, pulmonary, critical care, perioperative, hearing and speech, substance use disorders, and vocational rehabilitation services were addressed. Health rehabilitation services in SA, as in other countries, are suboptimal for individuals in health rehabilitation programs. To optimize the QoL of individuals with chronic diseases, health rehabilitation services should be tailored based on the unique requirements of each service and its serving patients. The shared need to improve health rehabilitation services includes the adoption of home-based and telehealth services, the integration of multi-governmental sectors, the empowerment and allocation of health rehabilitation specialists, public awareness campaigns, policy legislation and guideline development, and the implementation of a long-term follow-up system. This review is one of the first to address the intersection of health rehabilitation services and QoL in SA; urgent and holistic actions are paramount to address the pressing need to optimize SA's health rehabilitation services. The experts' recommendations in this study may be applicable to other countries' health systems, as health rehabilitation services are not well optimized globally.
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Alghamdi SM, Aldhahir AM, Alqahtani JS, Siraj RA, Alsulayyim AS, Almojaibel AA, Alhotye M, Alanazi AM, Alqarni AA. Healthcare Providers’ Perception and Barriers Concerning the Use of Telehealth Applications in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081527. [PMID: 36011185 PMCID: PMC9408269 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Telehealth services are widely used in Saudi Arabia. Despite this, neither the use rate nor the attitudes, perceptions, and barriers concerning telehealth applications have been evaluated nationally from the perspective of healthcare providers (HCPs). Aim: This study aims to explore the use rate of telehealth, as well as the attitudes, perceptions, and barriers concerning telehealth use in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of HCPs. Methods and design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted and distributed to all HCPs between 16 November 2021 and 16 March 2022, through an online platform (Survey Monkey). Results: Overall, 1034 HCPs completed the online survey, of which 65.0% (n = 677) were male. Physicians accounted for 22.34%, while nurses and respiratory therapists accounted for 22.34% and 21.47%, respectively. Only 491 HCPs (47%) have used telehealth applications, the majority for less than a year (21.47%) or from one to three years (14.51%). Around 44% of HCPs perceived telehealth as being useful in quality and care delivery. Around 43% of HCPs felt comfortable using telehealth, and 45.45% perceived telehealth as being useful for patients with transportation difficulties. Additionally, 38% believed that telehealth provides a confidential way of protecting patients’ information, and 36% would like to receive more training in telehealth. Speech-language therapists and public health professionals were the highest HCP users (98% and 95%, respectively), while general physicians and dentists were the lowest users (44% and 55%, respectively). Lack of time or a busy schedule was the most common barrier to not using telehealth among all HCPs (38%). Conclusion: The use of telehealth was perceived as being positive as well as valuable and confidential in monitoring and providing care. However, challenges such as the lack of time or a busy schedule impeded the use of telehealth among HCPs in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed M. Alghamdi
- Clinical Technology Department, Respiratory Care Program, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21961, Saudi Arabia
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LR, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Abdulelah M. Aldhahir
- Respiratory Therapy Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaber S. Alqahtani
- Department of Respiratory Care, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dammam 34313, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rayan A. Siraj
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Hasa 31983, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah S. Alsulayyim
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LR, UK
- Respiratory Therapy Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A. Almojaibel
- Respiratory Care Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Munyra Alhotye
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 12271, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Alanazi
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 12271, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah A. Alqarni
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
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