A new WhatsApp based speech therapy programme could change the way support is given to patients waiting for an NHS appointment, following a pilot scheme in Bury that has been hailed a “huge success”.
With some patients waiting many months for a speech therapy assessment, this new programme has allowed families to learn and take actions to support children with a language developmental challenge.
In a UK first for the NHS, the Can-Do programme, developed by Joanne Jones, a Consultant Speech and Language Therapist, has been adapted into a new WhatsApp service by Manchester basedCapture 1 to enhance communication and interaction with patients, and to deliver relevant resources.
First introduced by NHS Bury, the pilot scheme has been so well received by patients and NHS staff that wider rollout is being considered that would give access to many more families across the country.
“Due to the extraordinary demand for speech therapy across the region, there is an unavoidable delay from the point of referral to attending an appointment with the assessment team,” said Jane Case, programme manager in Bury at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care.
“Adopting WhatsApp has revolutionised the way we can deliver support and empower families to help their child begin to make progress with their speech at the earliest possible time.
“It has been a huge success, exceeding all of our expectations with overwhelmingly positive feedback.”
Joanne Jones added; “The Can-Do Programme itself had already helped thousands of families to make the most of everyday moments and boost their child’s development.”
The programme includes video lessons, a workbook, weekly message check ins on WhatsApp, regular motivational prompts sent in WhatsApp, Q&A sessions, and activities to keep children on track with their speech development.
Jane Case added, “The real success of this pilot scheme was through making the resource easy to access and a tailored experience for each user though WhatsApp.
“We have found that WhatsApp is totally accessible across a wide range of demographics and even hard to reach families – something we’ve struggled with before.”
Louise Pendry, one of the parents who used the new service, added “It has demystified speech and language therapy for me. Using WhatsApp has allowed me to make speech and language relevant to our everyday life, rather than waiting for a session to happen.
“I love being able to go back and check videos and messages when I am in the moment rather than pinning all our hopes on a therapy session.
“My favourite thing about Can Do is that it has bought joy back into mothering my son and I feel proud of us both on a daily basis.”
