BACKGROUND
Canadian stroke best practice guidelines now include telepractice. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of telepractice for delivering speech-language pathology (SLP) services, but there is a gap in knowledge about feasibility of telepractice in typical SLP outpatient settings, in which patients must use their own technology. The purpose of this randomized controlled pilot study was to determine the feasibility of remotely delivering SLP services to adults discharged home post-stroke, within an existing outpatient clinic and without substantial additional costs or resources.
METHODS
Participants were adults with a diagnosis of stroke who had identified communication goals and had access to a home computer with adequate technology. Outcome measures were 1) feasibility of telepractice (enrollment and adherence rate, network performance, number of goals attained, cost), and 2) satisfaction with telepractice vs. in-person therapy, measured via satisfaction/usability ratings. 
RESULTS
Of 24 referrals to date, 16 met stroke and communication criteria: 8 of those had access to required technology, 4 stated an interest in telepractice but did not have access to technology, and 4 stated they were disinterested in technology because of their age. Preliminary satisfaction and usability ratings were equally highly for in-person and telepractice. Financial costs to the clinic were limited to the purchase of a webcam and the clinician researcher’s time to navigate technology needs. 
CONCLUSIONS
We introduced telepractice into a hospital-based post-stroke outpatient service without substantial additional costs to the clinic, but access to technology was a barrier for many individuals. The study is ongoing and results will be reported.

INTEGRATING TELEPRACTICE INTO POST-STROKE HOSPITAL-BASED OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION: A PILOT STUDY