Introduction: There has been considerable interest in whether a home-based telepractice in speech-language pathology (TSLP) can increase access to the services of speech-language pathologist (SLP). Most of the studies reported in the literature suggest that TSL Prepresents a promising avenue. However, the evidence on the clinical efficacy of this treatment modality in home-based applications isvery limited. The aim of the current study was to assess the technical and clinical feasibility of home-based TSLP in an application with children with voice disorders. It also sought to assess the impact of TSLP on the patients’ and SLP satisfaction, economic cost, and voice performance. Method: We conducted a double-design study. The target population was patients under the age of 18 with a voice disorder and Internet access at home. A convenience sample was used, with six patients recruited prospectively. A structured questionnaire was administered to measure the feasibility of the TSLP service and its impact on the SLP, parents and children satisfaction, and ontwo economic cost dimensions.As for the health outcomes (voice performance), we used two validated scales: the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and the pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI). Results: Across all six patients, a total of 46 TSLP sessions were delivered by a registered SLP. Our results show that TSLP is clinically feasible. In terms of technical feasibility, some problems were encountered such as connection problems, freezing of images and sound, and signal transmission delays. Notwithstanding, both the patients and SLP were satisfied with the service in all sessions. From a patient economics point of view, the mean estimated amount of money saved was US$167.80/patient (SD 116.88), and the amount parents would bewilling to pay for sucha service was US$140(SD 52.83). As for health outcomes, a Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test showed thatpost-TSLP overall severity, measured with the CAPE-V scale, was significantly lower than pre-TSLP scores (P=.027). Similarly, the total score on the pVHIwas significantly lower after the TSLP sessions (P= .043). Both positive outcomes indicate that the TSLP service can contribute to voice improvement. Conclusion: These results support the feasibility, utility and benefit of TSLP services for children with voice disorders. Good logistical preparation is required before launching the service. Effectiveness should be further documented through comparative clinical trials and utility through qualitative study of parents’ and clinicians’ experiences.
