Home practice is an integral component of the therapeutic process for children with speech and language difficulties, facilitating effective collaborative practice between parents and speech and language therapists (SLTs) and increasing the dosage of intervention received. However, numerous challenges have been documented. Understanding how home practice is currently perceived by parents and SLTs may help address these challenges, enhance home practice approaches and strategies, and subsequently optimise therapy outcomes for children.
Objective
This study aimed to gather views of parents and speech and language therapists on home practice, including how home practice is currently being implemented, its benefits and challenges, and how it could be improved.
Method
A mixed-methods, cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was developed and distributed to parents and SLTs via social media. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.
Results
A total of 117 responses were received with a relatively balanced representation between parents (43%) and SLTs (57%). Survey findings suggest that home practice is a valued and common practice within SLT intervention, across countries and settings, that supports a positive parent-SLT alliance. Specific factors to ensure high-quality home practice were identified by participants, in addition to a range of challenges that can frequently impede the benefits of home practice being reaped and warrant attention.
Conclusion
Home practice may be currently underutilised and not consistently nurtured to support effective collaborative working with families. Technological solutions may offer a valuable aid to improve how home practice is construed, provided, monitored, evaluated, and enhanced.
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