ORCID Profile
0000-0002-1309-446X
Current Organisations
University of Ulster
,
University of Ulster at Jordanstown
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Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 05-01-2022
DOI: 10.2196/29249
Abstract: Speech and language therapy 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 in iduals with advanced needs. The potential of voice-assisted technology (VAT) to assist people with speech impairments is an emerging area of research but empirical work exploring its professional adoption is limited. This study aims to explore the professional experiences of speech and language therapists (SaLTs) using VAT with their clients to identify the potential applications and barriers to VAT adoption and thereby inform future directions of research. A 23-question survey was distributed to the SaLTs from the United Kingdom using a web-based platform, eliciting both checkbox and free-text responses, to questions on perceptions and any use experiences of VAT. Data were analyzed descriptively with content analysis of free text, providing context to their specific experiences of using VAT in practice, including barriers and opportunities for future use. A total of 230 UK-based professionals fully completed the survey most were technologically competent and were aware of commercial VATs (such as Alexa and Google Assistant). However, only 49 (21.3%) SaLTs had used VAT with their clients and described 57 use cases. They reported using VAT with 10 different client groups, such as people with dysarthria and users of augmentative and alternative communication technologies. Of these, almost half (28/57, 49%) used the technology to assist their clients with day-to-day tasks, such as web browsing, setting up reminders, sending messages, and playing music. Many respondents (21/57, 37%) also reported using the technology to improve client speech, to facilitate speech practice at home, and to enhance articulation and volume. Most reported a positive impact of VAT use, stating improved independence (22/57, 39%), accessibility (6/57, 10%), and confidence (5/57, 8%). Some respondents reported increased client communication (5/57, 9%) and sociability (3/57, 5%). Reasons given for not using VAT in practice included lack of opportunity (131/181, 72.4%) and training (63/181, 34.8%). Most respondents (154/181, 85.1%) indicated that they would like to try VAT in the future, stating that it could have a positive impact on their clients’ speech, independence, and confidence. VAT is used by some UK-based SaLTs to enable communication tasks at home with their clients. However, its wider adoption may be limited by a lack of professional opportunity. Looking forward, additional benefits are promised, as the data show a level of engagement, empowerment, and the possibility of achieving therapeutic outcomes in communication impairment. The disparate responses suggest that this area is ripe for the development of evidence-based clinical practice, starting with a clear definition, outcome measurement, and professional standardization.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 05-08-2020
Abstract: peech problems are common in people living with Parkinson disease (PD), 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 a 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 research to establish users’ perspectives on the potential contribution of voice-assisted technology for people with PD. his study aims to explore the attitudes toward the use of voice-assisted technology for people with PD. survey was approved for dissemination by a national charity, Parkinson’s UK, to be completed on the web by people living with the condition. The survey elicited respondent demographics, PD features, voice difficulties, digital skill capability, smart technology use, voice-assisted technology ownership and use, confidentiality, and privacy concerns. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and summative content analysis of free-text responses. f 290 participants, 79.0% (n=229) indicated that they or others had noticed changes in their speech or voice because of the symptoms of their condition. Digital skills and awareness were reported on 11 digital skills such as the ability to i find a website you have visited before /i . Most participants (n=209, 72.1%) reported being able to perform at least 10 of these 11 tasks. Similarly, of 70.7% (n=205) participants who owned a voice-assisted device, most of them (166/205, 80.9%) used it regularly, with 31.3% (52/166) reporting that they used the technology specifically to address the needs associated with their PD. Of these 166 users, 54.8% (n=91) sometimes, rarely, or never had to repeat themselves when using the technology. When asked about speech changes since they started using it, 25% (27/108) of participants noticed having to repeat themselves less and 14.8% (16/108) perceived their speech to be clearer. Of the 290 respondents, 90.7% (n=263) were not concerned, or only slightly concerned, about privacy and confidentiality. aving been added to the homes of Western society, domestic voice assist devices are now available to assist those with communication problems. People with PD reported a high digital capability, albeit those who responded to a web-based survey. Most people have embraced voice-assisted technology, find it helpful and usable, and some have found benefit to their speech. Speech and language therapists may have a virtual ally that is already in the patient’s home to support future therapy provision.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 31-03-2021
Abstract: peech and language therapy 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 in iduals with advanced needs. The potential of voice-assisted technology (VAT) to assist people with speech impairments is an emerging area of research but empirical work exploring its professional adoption is limited. his study aims to explore the professional experiences of speech and language therapists (SaLTs) using VAT with their clients to identify the potential applications and barriers to VAT adoption and thereby inform future directions of research. 23-question survey was distributed to the SaLTs from the United Kingdom using a web-based platform, eliciting both checkbox and free-text responses, to questions on perceptions and any use experiences of VAT. Data were analyzed descriptively with content analysis of free text, providing context to their specific experiences of using VAT in practice, including barriers and opportunities for future use. total of 230 UK-based professionals fully completed the survey most were technologically competent and were aware of commercial VATs (such as i Alexa /i and i Google Assistant /i ). However, only 49 (21.3%) SaLTs had used VAT with their clients and described 57 use cases. They reported using VAT with 10 different client groups, such as people with dysarthria and users of augmentative and alternative communication technologies. Of these, almost half (28/57, 49%) used the technology to assist their clients with day-to-day tasks, such as web browsing, setting up reminders, sending messages, and playing music. Many respondents (21/57, 37%) also reported using the technology to improve client speech, to facilitate speech practice at home, and to enhance articulation and volume. Most reported a positive impact of VAT use, stating improved independence (22/57, 39%), accessibility (6/57, 10%), and confidence (5/57, 8%). Some respondents reported increased client communication (5/57, 9%) and sociability (3/57, 5%). Reasons given for not using VAT in practice included lack of opportunity (131/181, 72.4%) and training (63/181, 34.8%). Most respondents (154/181, 85.1%) indicated that they would like to try VAT in the future, stating that it could have a positive impact on their clients’ speech, independence, and confidence. AT is used by some UK-based SaLTs to enable communication tasks at home with their clients. However, its wider adoption may be limited by a lack of professional opportunity. Looking forward, additional benefits are promised, as the data show a level of engagement, empowerment, and the possibility of achieving therapeutic outcomes in communication impairment. The disparate responses suggest that this area is ripe for the development of evidence-based clinical practice, starting with a clear definition, outcome measurement, and professional standardization.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 11-03-2021
DOI: 10.2196/23006
Abstract: Speech problems are common in people living with Parkinson disease (PD), 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 a 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 research to establish users’ perspectives on the potential contribution of voice-assisted technology for people with PD. This study aims to explore the attitudes toward the use of voice-assisted technology for people with PD. A survey was approved for dissemination by a national charity, Parkinson’s UK, to be completed on the web by people living with the condition. The survey elicited respondent demographics, PD features, voice difficulties, digital skill capability, smart technology use, voice-assisted technology ownership and use, confidentiality, and privacy concerns. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and summative content analysis of free-text responses. Of 290 participants, 79.0% (n=229) indicated that they or others had noticed changes in their speech or voice because of the symptoms of their condition. Digital skills and awareness were reported on 11 digital skills such as the ability to find a website you have visited before. Most participants (n=209, 72.1%) reported being able to perform at least 10 of these 11 tasks. Similarly, of 70.7% (n=205) participants who owned a voice-assisted device, most of them (166/205, 80.9%) used it regularly, with 31.3% (52/166) reporting that they used the technology specifically to address the needs associated with their PD. Of these 166 users, 54.8% (n=91) sometimes, rarely, or never had to repeat themselves when using the technology. When asked about speech changes since they started using it, 25% (27/108) of participants noticed having to repeat themselves less and 14.8% (16/108) perceived their speech to be clearer. Of the 290 respondents, 90.7% (n=263) were not concerned, or only slightly concerned, about privacy and confidentiality. Having been added to the homes of Western society, domestic voice assist devices are now available to assist those with communication problems. People with PD reported a high digital capability, albeit those who responded to a web-based survey. Most people have embraced voice-assisted technology, find it helpful and usable, and some have found benefit to their speech. Speech and language therapists may have a virtual ally that is already in the patient’s home to support future therapy provision.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for George Kernohan.