โก Quick Summary
This narrative review explores the integration of digital health care technologies in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology in South Africa. It highlights both the opportunities and challenges of implementing these technologies to improve service delivery and patient outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
๐ Key Details
- ๐ Studies Reviewed: 64 studies analyzed
- ๐ Focus Area: South Africa and LMICs
- โ๏ธ Key Technologies: Telehealth, mobile applications, artificial intelligence
- ๐ Major Themes: Accessibility, efficiency, barriers, ethical considerations, training
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ฑ Digital health care enhances accessibility and equity in services.
- ๐ค AI-driven diagnostics improve efficiency and patient outcomes.
- ๐ง Barriers include infrastructure deficits and digital literacy challenges.
- โ๏ธ Ethical considerations are crucial for inclusive care.
- ๐ Continuous professional development is essential for effective integration of digital tools.
- ๐ก Policy alignment is necessary for successful implementation.
- ๐ Research on contextual adaptation of digital tools is encouraged.
๐ Background
The integration of digital health care technologies is reshaping the landscape of health services, particularly in speech-language pathology and audiology. In South Africa and other LMICs, these technologies present a unique opportunity to tackle access challenges and improve patient outcomes. However, the successful adoption of these innovations requires a nuanced understanding of the local context and the specific needs of the population.
๐๏ธ Study
This narrative review synthesizes findings from 64 studies to analyze the role of digital health care in speech-language pathology and audiology. The focus is on how these technologies can be effectively integrated into clinical practice while considering the unique challenges faced in South Africa and similar contexts.
๐ Results
The review identifies five major themes:
1) Accessibility and equity through telehealth and mobile applications;
2) AI-driven diagnostics that enhance efficiency;
3) Barriers such as infrastructure deficits and regulatory gaps;
4) Ethical and cultural considerations for inclusive care;
5) The necessity of professional training for effective integration of digital tools.
๐ Impact and Implications
The findings underscore the transformative potential of digital health care in enhancing service delivery and improving patient outcomes in speech-language pathology and audiology. By addressing the identified barriers and focusing on ethical, culturally responsive implementation, practitioners can leverage these technologies to provide better care. The recommendations for expanding digital infrastructure and integrating training into academic curricula are crucial for the future of these professions in South Africa and LMICs.
๐ฎ Conclusion
This review highlights the significant opportunities presented by digital health care in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. However, its success hinges on targeted investments, policy alignment, and a commitment to culturally responsive practices. By embracing these strategies, professionals can ensure that digital health care remains contextually relevant, responsive, and responsible, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
๐ฌ Your comments
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Capitalizing on Digital Health Care for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Professions to Be Contextually Relevant, Responsive, and Responsible in South Africa: A Narrative Review.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The integration of digital health care technologies into speech-language pathology and audiology is rapidly transforming service delivery. In South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), digital tools offer significant opportunities to address access challenges and enhance patient outcomes. However, the adoption of these technologies requires careful consideration of contextual factors.
OBJECTIVE: This study is a narrative review that analyzes the role of digital health care in speech-language pathology and audiology within the South African and LMIC context.
METHOD: A narrative review of 64 studies was conducted, extracting and synthesizing data into key thematic areas. The synthesis focused on the impact of digital health care on service delivery, training and capacity building, ethical challenges, and policy implications.
RESULTS: The results highlight opportunities and challenges associated with digital health care implementation in speech-language pathology and audiology. Findings reveal five major themes in line with study objectives: (a) Digital health care enhances accessibility and equity in speech-language pathology and audiology services, particularly through telehealth and mobile applications; (b) artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics and personalized interventions improve efficiency and patient outcomes; (c) barriers include infrastructure deficits, regulatory gaps, and digital literacy challenges; (d) ethical and cultural considerations must be addressed to ensure inclusivity and equitable care; and (e) professional training and continuous professional development are critical for equipping practitioners with the necessary skills to integrate digital tools into clinical practice effectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Digital health care presents a transformative opportunity for speech-language pathology and audiology, but its success in South Africa and LMICs depends on targeted investments, policy alignment, and culturally responsive implementation. Key recommendations include expanding digital infrastructure, integrating digital health care training into academic curricula, establishing regulatory and ethical guidelines, and promoting research on the contextual adaptation of digital tools. By embracing these strategies, speech-language pathology and audiology professions can enhance service delivery; improve patient outcomes; and ensure digital health care is contextually relevant, responsive, and responsible.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.29997847.
Author: [‘Khoza-Shangase K’]
Journal: J Speech Lang Hear Res
Citation: Khoza-Shangase K. Capitalizing on Digital Health Care for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Professions to Be Contextually Relevant, Responsive, and Responsible in South Africa: A Narrative Review. Capitalizing on Digital Health Care for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Professions to Be Contextually Relevant, Responsive, and Responsible in South Africa: A Narrative Review. 2025; (unknown volume):1-15. doi: 10.1044/2025_JSLHR-24-00895