End-user needs and perspectives on speech therapy apps for aphasia

Abstract

The usage of apps for delivering speech therapy has been rising parallel to the increment of demand for speech therapy services. The Internet of Things (IoT) allows for the goal of delivering speech therapy services to individuals achievable. Particularly, people with aphasia (PWA) have greater opportunities for intensive rehabilitation for speech therapy with the usage of apps. The growing number of apps that serve as speech therapy is generally based on the knowledge and opinions of the developer. However, as the end-users of the apps, Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs), PWA, and caregivers' needs and perspectives should be taken into consideration. The aims of this study are to 1) Identify the perspectives for speech therapy apps among end-users and 2) Review the needs of end-users on speech therapy apps. Questionnaires are set specifically for this study to achieve the aims through distribution using Google Forms. Likert scales are utilized to gather the end-user information regarding their knowledge and opinions on speech therapy apps. There are 40 SLPs, 20 PWA, and 15 caregivers who participated in this study. Overall, the level of agreement on the need for speech therapy apps is promising among SLPs, PWA, and caregivers. The perspectives of SLPs, PWA, and caregivers towards speech therapy apps are positive. End-users are showing the need for more exposure and experience to using apps for speech therapy catering to improve their functionality. The usage of speech therapy apps for aphasia in Malaysia is worthy of being pursued and established as part of the speech therapy intervention for better outcomes of aphasia.