Computer use by People with Aphasia: A Survey Investigation

Abstract

Computers are encountered increasingly in the clinical setting, including during aphasia rehabilitation. However, currently we do not know what people with aphasia think about using computers in therapy and daily life, or to what extent people with aphasia use computers in their everyday life. The present study explored: (1) the use of computers by people with aphasia; and (2) the perceptions of people with aphasia towards computers and computer-based therapy. Thirty-four people with aphasia completed an aphasia-friendly paper-based survey about their use of computers before and after the onset of their aphasia, and their attitudes towards computer-based aphasia therapy. There was a high level of computer usage by people with aphasia both before and after the onset of their aphasia. However, the nature of the computer use changed following aphasia onset, with a move away from work-based usage. The majority of the cohort used computers for aphasia therapy and liked using computer-based aphasia therapy, provided that the programs were perceived as appropriate for their individual needs. The results highlight the importance of exposing people with aphasia to computer-based aphasia therapy in a supported clinical environment, and the need to ensure that computer-based therapy is individualised for each client. It should be noted, however, that while the majority of participants reported positive experiences with using computers, this does not mean that the computer-based therapy software used was necessarily an effective treatment for aphasia. Traditionally, speech-language pathology (SLP) services for people with aphasia have involved face-to-face individual or group sessions using paper-based worksheets and/or items in the surrounding environment. However, with the increasing permeation of technology into aspects of daily life (including work, shopping, finance and social contact), computers are also becoming

Accessibility and Applicability of Currently Available e-Mental Health Programs for Depression for People With Poststroke Aphasia: Scoping Review

“…People with poststroke aphasia have previously been identified as being victims of digital exclusion as a result of their language deficits, age- and stroke-related changes, and lack of premorbid computer and internet skills often attributed to their generally older age [33,66]. However, consistent with previous findings [39], the results of the computer use survey indicated a high level of computer usage by the participants with aphasia before and after their stroke. This aligns with other research, which suggests that tomorrow’s elders with disabilities will generally have more access to and increased proficiency with wireless technologies than their predecessors [67].…”

“…A computer use survey was used to determine participants’ level of computer use before and after aphasia, as well as their reasons for using a computer. This survey was created for a separate study that explored computer use by people with aphasia [39]. With permission from its publishers, this survey was adapted by asking participants if they currently or previously used a computer for the treatment of mental health difficulties and which programs they used.…”

Aphasia in an Internet age: wider perspectives on digital inclusion

“…We currently know little about how the population of people with aphasia use the Internet. Finch and Hill (2014) surveyed computer use by 34 Australian people with aphasia pre-and post-stroke, and found that the nature of computer use changed following the onset of aphasia, with a reduction in frequency of what they defined as 'work' related use in favour of use for a general interest, entertainment, and therapy (Finch & Hill, 2014). This raises questions around what aspects of stroke and aphasia have contributed to the change.…”

Assessing Cognition Post-Stroke using Virtual Reality Technology

“…We also included practice opportunities to further understanding and reduce potential anxiety associated with technology use for older people (C. Lee & Coughlin, 2015). The assessment was designed to be undertaken with an examiner present, which aligns with the needs of older people (Heart & Kalderon, 2013), and is desired by individuals with aphasia (Finch & Hill, 2014;Newton et al, 2013). Examiner support, task instructions, stimuli and response methods all need consideration to maximise feasibility and user satisfaction for individuals with aphasia.…”

“…Other studies on the adoption of technology confirm that technology use remains limited amongst older people, with higher education and support being associated with increased use (Heart & Kalderon, 2013). Clinical studies exploring the perceptions of people with aphasia using computers verify that support is an important factor for user satisfaction (Finch & Hill, 2014;Newton, Acres, & Bruce, 2013).…”