Apps and Digital Resources in Speech and Language Therapy - Which Factors Influence Therapists’ Acceptance?

Abstract

The aging of society, an increasing shortage of skilled professionals, and the digitization of the healthcare sector will continue to intensify in the future. To meet these challenges, new developments in the field of health technologies, such as digital therapy or teletherapy, are gaining importance. The aim of the present study was to investigate speech and language pathologists’ (SLPs) acceptance of apps and digital resources for interventions. Guided expert interviews with practicing SLPs (N = 5) were conducted focusing self-assessment of technical competence, technology use and reasons for non-use, experience of using apps, conditions of use, assessment of effort, barriers, and potentials. Results show that although all interviewees rated both the potential of apps and digital resources for the quality of their work and their own technical competencies as high, only two out of five regularly used digital resources in their daily work. Feedback from the clients on the use of apps in therapy is predominantly positive. In contrast, the effort required to obtain the apps, to learn how to use them, and for the initial preparation are high. The equipment of the therapy rooms with devices and WLAN access and the support provided by co-workers and supervisors are also rated as inadequate. Regarding their attitudes toward technology, the therapists’ self-image and rather conservative mindsets toward digital technologies are described as hindering. The study revealed that the structural environment and various personality traits of the therapists have great relevance for the use digital resources in speech and language therapy.