Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: Mar 23, 2020
Date Accepted: Sep 27, 2020
Speech-Language Therapy Mobile Apps for Adults with Communication disorders: A Review of Content and Quality
ABSTRACT
Background:
More than 75% of people with acquired brain injury experience a communication disorder globally. Communication disorder is an impairment in the ability to communicate effectively i.e. sending, receiving, processing and comprehending verbal and nonverbal concepts and symbols. Such disorders have potential long-lasting impact on employment, social participation and quality of life. Technology-enabled interventions such as mobile apps have the potential to increase the reach of speech-language therapy recommended to treat communication disorders. However, evidence-based and high-quality apps are critical to ensure safe and beneficial treatment for adults with communication disorders.
Objective:
The aim of this review is to identify smartphone applications that are currently widely available to adults with communication disorder for speech-language therapy, and to assess their content and quality using the validated Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS).
Methods:
Google Play, the App Store and web pages were searched to identify smartphone applications for speech-language therapy for adults with a communication disorder after Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).
Results:
A total of 70 apps met the eligibility criteria for inclusion (English, targeting adults with a communication disorder post-ABI). A content analysis of the apps revealed 43 apps for language, 17 apps for speech, six apps for voice, eight apps for cognitive-communication and five apps for oromotor function or numeracy. The overall MARS median score was (3.7/5) where functionality was the highest sub-scale (4.4/5) followed by aesthetics (3.8/5), information (3.4/5) and engagement (3.3/5).
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically identify and evaluate a broad range of mobile apps for speech-language therapy for adults with communication disorders post-ABI. We found a lack of interactive and engaging elements in the apps, a critical factor in sustaining self-managed speech-language therapy. More evidence-based apps with attention to human factors, user experience, and patient-led design approach are required to enhance effectiveness and long-term use.
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