JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Low volume and reduced intelligibility of speech are often reported by people living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Common household devices that use voice assisted technology require people to speak slowly, clearly and loudly for them to function. For people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD), this can be challenging and therefore indicates that voice assisted technology has potential as a therapeutic tool. While voice assisted technology is an emerging healthcare technology, gaps exist regarding experiences of using the technology with a speech and voice difficulty as a result of PD.

Objective:

This research is one of two papers which explores experiences of using voice assisted technology to address hypokinetic dysarthria, secondary to PD. This paper reports the results based on the perspectives of PwPD and carers.

Methods:

PwPD experiencing mild to moderate speech changes, who were smart speaker users, and their carers, were invited to participate in one of four in-person focus groups. Between September and December 2024, 15 PwPD and carers participated and focus groups were audio visually recorded. A semi-structured topic guide informed by published evidence was used to guide discussions. Results were transcribed and analysed through a framework analysis approach, (managed using NVivo software).

Results:

8 PwPD and 7 cares participated in the in-person focus groups. There were 5 main themes identified across the groups: (1) Therapeutic potential for speech and voice, with subthemes of changes in volume, intelligibility and clarity of speech, the role of VAT feedback, and VAT as an everyday device (2) Distrust of technology, with concerns surrounding data privacy, the listening nature of devices and measures users take to protect themselves, (3) Frustrations with devices, including devices not understanding, devices timing out and the lack of conversation, (4) Support needs, including the impact of a lack of knowledge and the need for education and guidance and (5) Design considerations for a future VAT tool in SLT.

Conclusions:

This research extends upon previous research findings, demonstrating that voice assisted technology may be acceptable to people with PD to create changes in volume, clarity and intelligibility. Thought must be given to users’ privacy concerns and frustrations with devices, before VAT can used as a tool in speech and language therapy. Limitations are also discussed in the context of the study. Future research should design solutions to current usability challenges with PwPD and professionals. Furthermore, this paper makes several recommendations regarding future development of a therapeutic voice assisted technology tool for speech and voice difficulties. Clinical Trial: None