“Tremendous burdens often unveil enormous gifts”: The experiences of South African caregivers implementing speech and language teletherapy for children with cerebral palsy during COVID-19

Abstract

PURPOSE: In accordance with South Africa’s restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, some speech-language pathologists (SLPs) attempted to engage in novice teletherapy regimes to ensure continuity of care for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to explore the experiences of caregivers of children with CP implementing SLP teletherapy during COVID-19 in South Africa. The goal was to shed light on how these families can be better supported and how teletherapy practices can be adjusted for this population. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative phenomenological research design using in-person and virtual semi-structured interviews with 18 purposively sampled participants with children with CP who received speech and language teletherapy during COVID-19. The data was evaluated using an inductive thematic analysis approach whereby themes elicited from the caregivers’ narratives were analyzed. RESULTS: Interviews (n = 18) unveiled the significant understanding caregivers gained by becoming integral and active stakeholders in the provision of teletherapy. Caregivers were able to meaningfully communicate and bond with their children with CP. However, caregivers also assumed the burden that teletherapy placed on them, as they had to renegotiate their role during the pandemic in order to provide routine teletherapy. CONCLUSION: Findings indicated the need for person-centered SLP teletherapy interventions that utilize contextually and culturally responsive techniques and resources.