Preethy Susan Reni; Vrinda R; Rejitha Kumari L; Suja K Kunnath
Volume 12, Issue 2 , June 2025, , Pages 59-65
Abstract
Background:Studies on telerehabilitation in India have primarily addressed the clinicians’ perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the perspectives of clients—specifically ...
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Background:Studies on telerehabilitation in India have primarily addressed the clinicians’ perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the perspectives of clients—specifically adults who stutter—regarding telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodA mixed-methods survey, combining interviews and self-report questionnaires, explored client perspectives on telerehabilitation for adults who stutter during the pandemic. Twelve adults who stutter aged 18 to 40 attending telerehabilitation sessions at a tertiary rehabilitation center participated in the study.ResultsAll participants expressed comfort in discussing their problems and anxieties with the clinician during teletherapy sessions. Additionally, 91.7% (n = 11) reported feeling confident in managing the online platform. Of the participants, 66.7% (n = 8) rated the sessions as excellent, while 33.3% (n = 4) rated them as good. Preferences regarding session modes were evenly split, with 50% favoring teletherapy and the other 50% preferring a hybrid approach. The majority of participants considered avoiding travel during the pandemic to be a significant advantage of telerehabilitation. However, internet connectivity issues were identified as a major disadvantage.ConclusionThe findings of this study highlight both the advantages and challenges of telerehabilitation for adults who stutter. Participants reported that telerehabilitation helped improve their speech fluency and proved a viable and effective approach for addressing stuttering during the COVID-19 pandemic.
