International Telepractice: Encouraging Equity, Partnership, and Sustainability

Abstract

Purpose: The following commentary outlines the principles of international telepractice with regard to speech-language pathology and audiology services. Additionally, this commentary provides critical caveats and concerns surrounding international telepractice as well as a summary of principles to follow as telepractice programs encourage access to care and bidirectional, sustainable, and ethical practice development. Conclusions: Telepractice among communication disorders professionals has grown exponentially in recent years. With the rise in telepractice opportunities, easier access to digital practice platforms, and increased Internet access through mobile devices, telepractice is a popular therapeutic modality in the communication disorders field. Telepractice applications have extended beyond therapeutic services alone and into clinical education among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists (AUDs). Telepractice has also extended beyond national borders called international telepractice. This practice has the potential to improve access to critical rehabilitative and therapeutic services, build capacity in allied rehabilitation systems, and encourage global bidirectional partnership among SLPs and AUDs. However, this practice should not proceed without caution, and the ethical implications should be carefully and critically considered.