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A computerised communication aid in severe aphasia: an exploratory study
W Mieke E Van de Sandt-Koenderman1, Jiska Wiegers, Sandra M Wielaert
1Rijndam Rehabilitation Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. m.sandt@rijndam.nl
Disability and Rehabilitation
|September 14, 2007
Summary
TouchSpeak (TS) effectively supports communication for individuals with severe aphasia, improving overall ability. While many patients benefit initially, long-term use of this communication aid is temporary for most.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Aphasia significantly impairs communication.
- Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) is crucial for severe aphasia.
- Evaluating novel AAC devices is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of TouchSpeak (TS), a handheld computerized communication aid.
- To determine the usability and long-term impact of TS for individuals with aphasia.
Main Methods:
- A pre-post, one-group design study.
- 34 patients with severe aphasia were trained to use TS.
- Communication skills and TS usage were assessed immediately and 3 years post-training.
Main Results:
- 76% of participants used TS outside the clinic.
- Overall communicative ability improved, even in untrained situations.
- 50% acquired their own TS; 6% continued use after 3 years.
Conclusions:
- TouchSpeak (TS) effectively supports communication in severe aphasia.
- Patients can master and utilize hierarchical computerized vocabulary in daily life.
- TS may offer generalized benefits to communicative ability, though its supportive role is often temporary.
