Telepractice as a mode of service delivery when face-to-face is challenging or inappropriate due to factors such as distance, health, and other access challenges has become increasingly important over recent years and current practices suggest that it remains relevant and useful. While the efficacy of telehealth is generally well established through research, it is important to understand the other elements of evidence based practice when working with children and families. The experiences of stakeholders is a crucial element of evidence based practice and in providing clinicians with feedback on improving the quality of telepractice sessions. The perspectives of speech pathologists, adult clients, and parents on telepractice SLP have been thoroughly researched in recent literature. However, knowledge about the perspectives of children, another major stakeholder, is limited. The objective of this study, therefore, was to explore school-aged children’s perspectives of telepractice SLP intervention.

Method: Focus groups, individual interviews and a demographic survey were conducted with four children and their parents. In a semi-structured discussion, children were asked about their experiences of telepractice SLP; parents supported and augmented these discussions when required. The conversations were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Children and their parents held similar opinions about the challenges of telepractice and the need for ‘kids to be kids’. Analysis indicated that children and their parents had differing opinions on the positives of telepractice SLP, but were unified in valuing enjoyable experiences through games and visuals to make sessions more engaging and rewarding.

Conclusions: This study provides rare insight to children’s experiences of telepractice SLP. Findings highlight positive and challenging aspects of telepractice, as well as the importance of fun activities for children, all of which is crucial in providing more client-centred practice.

At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will take away:
1. an understanding of the importance of the child voice in developing services
2. knowledge of the opinions and experiences of this small but diverse group of children regarding the telepractice experiences
3. insight into ways to make telepractice more acceptable to their child clients