JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) involves the identification, assessment and treatment of children and adults who have difficulties with communication, eating, drinking and swallowing. Globally, pressing needs outstrip the availability of qualified practitioners who, of necessity, focus on advanced needs. The potential of Voice Assisted Technology (VAT) to assist people with speech impairments is in an emerging area of research, but empirical work exploring professional adoption is limited.

Objective:

To explore the professional experiences that Speech and Language Therapists (SaLTs) have in using VAT with their clients, to identify potential applications and barriers for VAT adoption and thereby inform future directions of research.

Methods:

A 23-question survey was distributed to UK SaLTs using an online platform, eliciting both checkbox and free text responses, to questions on perceptions and any usage experiences of VAT. Data were analysed descriptively with content analysis of free text providing context to their specific experiences with using VAT in practice including barriers and opportunities for future use.

Results:

A total of 230 UK-based professionals fully completed the survey; the majority were technologically competent and were aware of commercial VATs (such as Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant). However, only 49 SaLTs (21.3%) had used it with their clients and described a total of 57 use cases. They reported using VAT with 10 different client groups, such as people with dysarthria and users of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies. Of these, almost half (28/57; 49.1%) used the technology to assist their clients with day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, setting up reminders, sending messages or emails and playing music. Many respondents (21/57; 36.8%) also reported using the technology to improve client speech; to facilitate speech practice at home, to enhance articulation and volume. Most reported a positive impact of VAT usage, stating improved independence (22/57; 38.6%), accessibility (6/57; 10.5%) and confidence (5/57; 8.8%). Some respondents discussed the impact on their clients’ speech, reporting increased client communication (5/57; 8.8%) and sociability (3/57; 5.3%). Reasons given for not using VAT in practice included lack of opportunity (131/181; 72.4%) and training (63/181; 34.8%). The majority of respondents (154/181; 85.1%) indicated that they would like to try VAT in the future, stating that the technology could have a positive impact on their clients’ speech, independence and confidence.

Conclusions:

Voice Assisted Technology is used by some UK-based SaLTs to enable communication tasks in the home with their clients. Wider adoption may be limited by lack of professional opportunity. Looking forward, additional benefit is promised as the data shows a level of engagement, empowerment and the possibility to achieve therapeutic outcomes in communication impairment. The disparate responses suggest this area is ripe for development of evidence-based clinical practice, starting with clear definition, outcome measurement and professional standardisation.