Speech and Language Practitioners' Experiences of Commercially Available Voice-Assisted Technology: Web-Based Survey...

Area of Science:

• Speech and Language Therapy
• Assistive Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Speech and language therapy (SaLT) addresses communication and swallowing disorders.
• Global demand for SaLT practitioners exceeds availability, necessitating focus on advanced needs.
• Voice-assisted technology (VAT) offers potential for supporting individuals with speech impairments, but professional adoption research is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore speech and language therapists' (SaLTs) professional experiences using VAT with clients.
• To identify potential applications and barriers to VAT adoption in SaLT practice.
• To inform future research directions for VAT in speech and language therapy.

Main Methods:

• A 23-question online survey was distributed to UK-based SaLTs.
• The survey included both checkbox and free-text responses on VAT perceptions and usage.
• Data were analyzed descriptively, with content analysis for free-text responses.

Main Results:

• 230 SaLTs completed the survey; most were technologically competent and aware of commercial VATs.
• Only 21.3% of SaLTs had used VAT with clients, reporting 57 use cases across 10 client groups.
• Reported benefits included improved independence, accessibility, confidence, communication, and sociability; key barriers were lack of opportunity and training.

Conclusions:

• VAT is utilized by some SaLTs for home-based communication tasks, but wider adoption is hampered by limited professional opportunities.
• VAT demonstrates potential for engagement, empowerment, and therapeutic outcomes in communication impairment.
• Further development of evidence-based clinical practice, including clear definitions, outcome measures, and professional standards, is recommended for VAT in SaLT.