Refining an Asynchronous Telerehabilitation Platform for Speech-Language Pathology: Engaging End-Users in the...

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Digital health
• Human-computer interaction

Background:

• Asynchronous telerehabilitation offers an efficient alternative to synchronous models for communication disorder treatment.
• The development of flexible and user-centered asynchronous platforms is crucial for resource-constrained healthcare.
• eSALT is a novel platform designed for asynchronous telerehabilitation in speech-language pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the eSALT asynchronous telerehabilitation platform.
• To evaluate the usability and satisfaction of eSALT with end-users (people with aphasia and clinicians).
• To refine the eSALT platform based on user feedback.

Main Methods:

• A usability study involving people with aphasia and clinicians using the eSALT platform.
• Clinicians designed and individualized therapy tasks, transferred them to clients' mobile devices.
• Participants engaged in 3 weeks of home-based therapy, with remote monitoring and task updates by clinicians.
• Semi-structured interviews and surveys were conducted with participants and clinicians post-trial.

Main Results:

• Content analysis of qualitative data identified key usability themes: ease of use, support, satisfaction, limitations, and improvement areas.
• Refinements to eSALT included developing an iPad interface, enhancing feedback options, automating results transfer, and expanding task templates.
• The study underscored the value of end-user involvement in technology development.

Conclusions:

• End-user involvement is critical for refining asynchronous telerehabilitation platforms to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
• The refined eSALT platform demonstrates potential for improved service delivery in speech-language pathology.
• Future research should focus on clinical trials to assess the effectiveness and adherence of asynchronous telerehabilitation interventions.