Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
Date Submitted: Aug 5, 2020
Date Accepted: Jan 17, 2021
People with Parkinson’s report favorable attitudes towards the use of Voice Assisted Technologies: findings from an online survey
ABSTRACT
Background:
Speech problems are very common in people living with Parkinson’s, limiting communication and ultimately affecting their quality of life. Voice assisted technology in health and care settings has shown some potential in small-scale studies to address such problems, with retrospective analysis of user reviews reporting anecdotal communication effects and promising usability features when using this technology for people with a range of disabilities. However, there is a need for broader research to explore the opportunities for voice assisted technology for people with Parkinson’s.
Objective:
To explore attitudes towards the use of voice assisted technology for people with Parkinson’s.
Methods:
A survey was approved for dissemination by a national charity, Parkinson’s UK, to be completed online by people living with the condition. The survey elicited respondent demographics, Parkinson’s features, voice difficulties, digital skill capability, smart technology usage, voice assisted technology ownership and usage, confidentiality and privacy concerns. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and summative content analysis of free text responses.
Results:
Of 290 participants, 79% (229/290) indicated that they or others had noticed changes in their speech or voice due to symptoms of their condition. Digital skills and awareness were reported on 11 digital skills, such as ability to ‘find a website you have visited before’. A high number, 72% (209/290) reported being able to perform at least 10 of these 11 tasks. Similarly, of the 71% (205/290) participants who owned a voice-assisted device, most of them (166) used it regularly, with 31% (52/166) reporting that they used the technology specifically to address needs associated with their Parkinson’s. Of these 166 users, 55% sometimes or rarely had to repeat themselves when using the technology. When asked about speech changes since they started using it, 25% noticed that having to repeat themselves less, and 15% perceived their speech to be clearer. Of the 290 respondents 91% were not concerned, or only slightly concerned, about privacy and confidentiality.
Conclusions:
Having been added to the homes of Western society, domestic voice assist devices are now available to assist those with communication problems. People with Parkinson’s report a high digital capability, albeit those who responded to an online survey. Most have embraced voice assisted technology and find it helpful and usable. Speech and language therapists may have a virtual ally, already in the patient’s home to support future therapy provision. Clinical Trial: None
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