Abstract
Background: Research into computerised aphasia therapy has investigated effects of computer therapy on language skills. Little is known about views of people with aphasia on using computers in therapy. New technology has made possible delivery of therapy via the Internet ("remotely"), without face-to-face contact with the therapist. The acceptability to clients and carers of this novel mode of delivering aphasia therapy warranted investigation.Aims: This paper reports an exploratory investigation of the views and experiences of six people with aphasia and their partners on receiving computer-based word-retrieval therapy delivered remotely.Methods & Procedures: Six people with aphasia received therapy via computer over a 6-month period. A speech and language therapist monitored therapy remotely via the Internet. In-depth interviews were carried out with participants and carers after therapy, by a therapist not involved in treatment, to elicit views on expectations, experiences, and effects of therapy. Five men and one woman with aphasia were interviewed (median age 63 years). Participants ranged from 2 to 12 years post CVA (median 2yrs 6 months). All had word retrieval difficulties. Five had partners, all of whom were interviewed.Outcomes & Results: All participants responded positively to this mode of therapy delivery and all perceived gains to have been made. Organisation of practice varied but all reported a sense of increased autonomy for the person with aphasia and believed this mode of therapy had facilitated more intensive practice than previously experienced. Intensity of practice was seen as crucial in leading to benefits at the level of language impairment. Benefits to functional communication were attributed not only to improved language skills but also to improved confidence and self-esteem. Negative effects all related to amount of time spent in practice and reduced time available for other activities.Conclusions: A wide range of benefits to functional communication was reported from receiving therapy that was purely impairment-based and involved no face-to-face contact with a therapist. Participants valued the increased autonomy and increased opportunity for practice associated with the remotely monitored therapy but viewed the supervisory role of the speech and language therapist as crucial. The remote mode of therapy delivery may offer potential advantages compared with face-to-face therapy, which warrant further investigation.