Telepractice Resources

Speech Pathology Australia is aware that the use of telepractice to provide speech pathology services has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and that members need support in this area. On this page, members will find resources and information to guide them in understanding and effectively implementing telepractice service-delivery.

Association Documents

• Position Statement: Telepractice in Speech Pathology
• Practice Guideline: Principles of Practice for Telepractice in Speech Pathology
• Telepractice FAQs
• FAQs - Technology, Privacy and Security for Telepractice
• FAQs from the general public - Telepractice / Telehealth and speech pathology
• FAQs – Overseas Telepractice by Australian Speech Pathologists
• FAQs – Telepractice in Australia by Overseas Speech Pathologists
• Telepractice checklist for speech pathologists
• Informed Consent for Telepractice template .

Medicare, DVA and Private Health Funds

Find updated information on how various funding streams are responding to the use of telehealth delivery of speech pathology services: Medicare, DVA and Private Health Funds web page.

Professional Development

Telepractice Toolkit is an online program designed to support speech pathologists to design, implement and evaluate telepractice services.

Speech Pathology Australia – Learning Hub: maintains a suite of continuing professional development offerings in the area telepractice. It includes a range of topics from introductory to advanced. Many of these courses are free to members.

Non-Association Resources

• Allied Health Professions Australia: AHPA has produced a guide addressing technical, privacy and security, and clinical assessment aspects of telehealth for allied health professionals.
• Australian Digital Health Agency: Toolkit to support health professionals and provide advice regarding the security aspects of health technology – including telehealth platforms.
• Department of Health and Aged Care: The Australian Government has prepared a checklist to assist allied health professionals to comply with privacy obligations when delivering telehealth services.
• Health Direct Video Call: Allied health professionals may use this telehealth platform under a pilot program funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care until 30 June 2023. Health providers, including speech pathologists, who are interested in a licence may register online.
  NB. The Association cannot verify or endorse the security or other features of this platform.
• The University of Melbourne have published their final report on Telehealth by allied health practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey - performed in collaboration with SPA, AHPA, and other peak body associations - provides valuable data about clinician and client experiences with telehealth as it was broadly implemented during pandemic-related restrictions. This report may be useful in assessing future pathways for telehealth in a post-pandemic world.