Superhighway to promoting a client‐therapist partnership? Using the Internet to deliver word‐retrieval computer therapy, monitored remotely with minimal speech and language therapy input

Abstract

Background: Advances in information and communications technology have not only made independent speech and language therapy practice using a computer possible, it is now feasible to monitor this therapy from a different location ( “remotely”). Aims: This paper describes an evaluation of whether therapy delivered this way is efficacious and acceptable in improving word‐retrieval and efficient in terms of therapist time. Methods & Procedures: Seven participants were recruited to a case series study, with an ABA design, where A represented a no‐treatment assessment phase. All were at least 2 years post CVA and had word‐finding difficulties associated with aphasia. Participants had access to therapy software on a home computer. Therapy exercises were updated remotely by a therapist from a clinic computer via the Internet. No face‐to‐face therapy took place. Outcomes & Results: Outcome measures included data on software usage, pre and post‐therapy language assessments, and pre and post‐therapy participant interviews to explore perceived benefits and user's views. Results showed intensive use of the system, and improvement in word retrieval skills. Conclusions: Results suggest this mode of therapy delivery is efficacious, acceptable, and gave participants a high degree of independence. Relatively little input in terms of therapist time is required. The findings are discussed in terms of implications for therapy delivery for people with aphasia.