988368

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Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of the role of speech therapists by other medical professionals in public hospitals.
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 200 healthcare professionals with >1year of job experience at the workplace of both genders and any age. Besides, the study subjects were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling approach. The study sample was recruited from 25 District and Tehsil Headquarter Hospitals from April 1, 2019, to September 30, 2019. A basic demographic datasheet and the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) survey were used for data collection. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS.
Results: Out of the total 200 eligible professionals from different departments, the Mean±SD scores of the responses were highest (75.14±24.87) in pediatric medical professionals. Moreover, the lowest scores (46.70±0.01) concerned Intensive Care Unit (ICU) experts; this difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Similarly, a significantly higher Mean±SD score of 74.05±20.04 was noted for those working day shifts, compared to that of (35.01±8.52) those working in night shifts (P<0.001).
Discussion: The knowledge and perception of different healthcare professionals serving in public hospitals vary regarding the role of SLPs. Such differences concern their profession, with pediatrics presenting the highest level of understanding, followed by general medicine. However, psychiatry and ENT professional provided the least understanding in this area. The professionals working in day shifts suggested better knowledge and perception, compared to night shifts staff.

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Objectives: This study aimed to explore satisfaction and competency with telepractice services among Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in Pakistan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study with a sample of 204 SLPs was conducted at Riphah International University, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan, from August 2020 to December 2020. Our study recruited qualified SLPs of both genders, aged between 25 and 60 years, using a convenience sampling technique. Non-practicing SLPs and those holding administrative posts were excluded from this study. The “Service Provider Questionnaire for Telepractice” was used for data collection. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS v. 22. The Chi-square and Pearson r correlation were used to detect any relationships between study variables, and P<0.05 was significant. 
Results: The results showed that SLPs are pretty satisfied with using telepractice and building relationships with child/family, compared to face-to-face practice, and did not reveal significant differences (P=0.146 and P=0.882, respectively). Also, the competence of SLPs was good with telepractice; however, higher competence was noted with face-to-face practice, and the difference was statistically significant (r=0.165, P=0.018).
Discussion: Regarding satisfaction with the use of telepractice and relationship building with child/family, SLPs are pretty satisfied, though results did not differ significantly from face-to-face practice. However, for competence in providing services, the SLPs felt more competent with face-to-face practice than telepractice. Satisfaction using telepractice has an association with patient’s age and SLP’s experience and age, while satisfaction with relationships using telepractice is associated with SLP’s qualification and experience. Competence in providing telepractice is associated with patient’s age and SLP’S qualification, experience, and age.

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Objectives: The study aimed to explore the perceived burden and stress among mothers of autistic children.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Riphah International University over 4 months, from October 2020 to January 2021. The samples were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling and comprised 84 mothers (23-60 years old) of children aged 3-16 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from different special education centers in Lahore. A demographic questionnaire, Parental Stress Scale (PSS), and Zarit burden interview (ZBI) were used to collect the study data, which were analyzed in SPSS v. 22 software. 
Results: Forty-five Mothers (53.6%) suffered from moderate to severe burden with a high Mean±SD ZBI (41.75±10.62) and Parental Stress Scale (PSS) scores (48.67±8.04). Also, there is a significant positive correlation between the two scores (r=0.585, P=0.000). A significant association was noted between the mother’s stress and the severity of autism (P=0.006) and the child’s medication (P=0.008), also between the mother’s burden and the child’s age (P=0.019).
Discussion: According to the current study’s findings, mothers of children with ASD perceived a high level of burden and stress. The association was seen with factors of children’s age, severity level, and child medication.

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