This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Telepractice can be a valuable form of service delivery, helping to overcome obstacles of travel, scheduling, and lack of available service providers. This course provides information on how to structure and implement a telepractice model, including practical teletherapy examples for speech therapy sessions with the pediatric population.

This Research Watch Report focuses on some of the most current research in the area of intervention for aphasia; specifically, a modified version of constraint-induced language therapy, and usability and effectiveness of telepractice applications. Three articles are summarized and potential clinical applications of the evidence are discussed.

This is Part 3 of the three-part series, Connecting to Communicate: A Telepractice Series. Structuring successful telepractice services requires planning and “buy-in” from the patients or clients being served. Practitioners must know the unique diagnostic and/or treatment needs of those on their caseload and how these needs can be met using distance technology. This course will address the “how-to” of delivering telepractice services. Telepractice case studies will be discussed. Strategies for evaluating telepractice programs also will be presented.

This is Part 2 of the three-part series, Connecting to Communicate: A Telepractice Series. How do I get started in telepractice? How do I know my clients or patients will benefit from telepractice services? What is the best technology to use? How do I structure telepractice services in relation to traditional, in-person services? In this course, quantitative and qualitative measures used in decision making will be described that will allow practitioners to evaluate the feasibility of telepractice services. A basic "getting started" checklist will be reviewed that outlines the fundamental technological requirements as well as other preparatory strategies practitioners can employ prior to launching a successful telepractice program.

This is Part 1 of the three-part series, Connecting to Communicate: A Telepractice Series. What is telepractice? How is it different from telemedicine, telehealth, or connected health? Why are schools, hospitals, and other facilities utilizing distance technology to provide diagnostic and treatment interventions for individuals with communication disorders across the lifespan? In this course, telepractice will be defined and examples of telepractice service delivery models will be described. Current professional standards and other policies that shape telepractice service delivery also will be presented.

Pearson's EBP Briefs are case-based courses designed to assist with everyday decision-making in clinical practice. This case will examine the clinical question, “Do patients treated for voice therapy with telepractice show similar changes in voice outcome measures as patients treated face-to-face?” The related literature search and analysis, along with the resultant clinical decision and application to clinical practice, will also be discussed. A relevant assessment tool for this case is the CLQT+ (Helm-Estabrooks, 2017).

The use of distance technology continues to evolve, and new models of service delivery are emerging to meet the developmental and communicative needs of young children with speech, language, and listening needs. For young children born with hearing loss, telepractice service delivery models may be the most efficient way to connect families seeking services to well-trained professionals who can provide appropriate early intervention.