Browsing by Author "De Silva, M.D.K."

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    Perception of speech therapists and parents on use of telepractice for paediatric speech therapy in Sri Lanka
    (Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kalaniya, Sri Lanka, 2024) Adhikaram, W.K.D.S.Y.; De Silva, M.D.K.
    The use of communication technology to deliver speech therapy (telepractice) was highly considered during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a few Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and parents engaged in telepractice in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it was essential to identify the factors that encouraged and prevented the successful implementation of telepractice. A descriptive cross-sectional study was followed using a sequential mixed-method approach. Thirty SLTs and sixty-two parents who use telepractice services participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected through a self–administered online survey and analysed using descriptive statistics. The telephone interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data from five SLTs and ten parents, on which thematic analysis was performed. Sixty percent of SLTs and 84% of parents considered telepractice an effective procedure similar to face–to–face therapy. However, SLTs emphasised that telepractice is applicable, subject to the child’s condition and other factors. Participants’ perception of telepractice was mainly based on their experience. Parent involvement in the speech therapy sessions was found to be high because of the implementation of asynchronous and hybrid modes of telepractice. Providing appropriate training in therapy strategies and educating parents on the use of technology may improve speech therapy services through telepractice in Sri Lanka.
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    Socio-demographic and Hearing Aid Related Factors that Influence Use of Hearing Aids.
    (2017) Livera, W.L.A.H.; De Silva, M.D.K.
    Hearing loss (HL) is increasingly recognized as a public health problem. Even though hearing aids (HA) are the primary rehabilitation option, majority of adults with HL who obtain HAs do not use them. Objectives; The study aimed to identify the factors that distinguish between HA users and non-users, describe the reasons reported by the participants related to their dissatisfaction with the HAs and assess the perceived usefulness of HAs in successful HA owners using International Outcome Inventory-Hearing Aids (IOI-HA).