Abstract
AbstractPurpose: To explore the acceptability of using ReaDySpeech, an online speech therapy programme for people with dysarthria after stroke, within usual clinical practice. This early clinical testing underpins future research evaluation of ReaDySpeech. Methods: A prospective, observational design involving interviews with speech and language therapists with experience of using ReaDySpeech. This included the usability of ReaDySpeech, therapists’ training/support needs, ease of recruitment of therapist and patient participants, ReaDySpeech technical issues and therapy content. Therapists also provided feedback from the patient participants. Results: Six therapists working in hospital and community-based settings used ReaDySpeech with five patients (12–28 weeks post-stroke, four female, mean age 71 years). Therapists found it was easy to use, training/support was sufficient and they reported positive feedback from participants. Areas to address involved patients’ access to Wi-Fi, ease of navigation, cont...
Highlights
Dysarthria following stroke results in impaired intelligibility of speech from the neurologic damage that causes speech musculature to be slow, weak, imprecise and/or poorly coordinated (Yorkston, 1996)
Two participants were recruited from an-inpatient rehabilitation unit from one site; two were recruited in their own homes from the community-based service of a second site and the fifth was recruited from the in-patient rehabilitation unit of the third site
This study found that while therapists were recruited, patients more than twelve weeks post stroke were harder to identify
Summary
Dysarthria following stroke results in impaired intelligibility of speech from the neurologic damage that causes speech musculature to be slow, weak, imprecise and/or poorly coordinated (Yorkston, 1996). This can negatively affect an individual’s sense of identity, self-image, social participation and psychological well-being (Brady, Clark, Dickson, Paton, & Barbour, 2011; Dickson, Barbour, Brady, Clark, & Paton, 2008; Tilling et al, 2001). Research into treatment of post-stroke dysarthria is limited; no high quality trials were identified in a Cochrane review (Sellars, Hughes, & Langhorne, 2005). It is important to ensure patients have the opportunity to access high quality independent practice so they can make that choice if they wish, to support patient centred intervention
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
