What are the perspectives of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists on using telehealth videoconferencing for service delivery to children with developmental delays? A systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: To identify the attitudes and perspectives of speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists on using telehealth videoconferencing for service delivery to children with developmental delays. DESIGN: Systematic Literature Review. METHOD: An electronic search of databases Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PEDro, Speechbite, OTseeker and ScienceDirect was undertaken in October 2020. Articles were compared with eligibility criteria by 2 authors. All articles were appraised for quality and level of evidence. FINDINGS: Fourteen studies were deemed to be eligible. Results were synthesised using a narrative analysis. The themes identified were technology, self‐efficacy, replacement of face‐to‐face services, time management, relationships, access and family‐centred care. Each of these themes was seen as both a potential barrier and a facilitator when trying to provide services via telehealth. CONCLUSIONS: The results in this review cannot be generalised due to small sampling size, low response rates, lack of maximum variation sampling and under‐representation of occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Study design was either mixed‐methods survey or interview or only survey or interview. Risk of bias in studies was high. Further research is required including comparison studies and cost‐benefit analysis.