Digital tool as speech and language therapy for patients with post-stroke aphasia.

INTRODUCTION

New technologies could play a role in post-stroke aphasia (PSA). Our aims were to develop a digital tool; to evaluate its acceptance and usability by patients and caregivers; and to demonstrate its effectiveness in improving language skills in patients with PSA, applying it from the acute phase.

METHODS

The study consisted of two phases: development of a digital tool; and an interventional before-and-after study. During the first week of admission, the digital tool, VerbalizAPP, was installed for use with the help of family/caregivers. PSA was evaluated by a summarised version of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (sBDAE) with 0-64 points. After 3 months of using VerbalizAPP, the sBDAE and scales to assess user satisfaction were applied.

RESULTS

Forty patients (29 men, mean age 68.3 years) were included. Aphasia description: Broca's 12 (15.0%), Wernicke's 13 (32.5%), mixed/global 15 (37.5%) cases. Patients began using VerbalizAPP 4.8 days (range 2-7) after stroke onset. A significant improvement in sBDAE scores was found after 3 months of VerbalizAPP use: 35.1 (SD 17.6) versus 51.1 (SD 14.4) points;  < .001. Academic level was the only baseline parameter related to outcomes. Comfort of use scored 8.8, and complexity 2.2 points. Expectations were exceeded in 61.1%, and impression of improvement in 83.3% of cases. No adverse effects were reported, and all participants would recommend VerbalizAPP to other patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show the effectiveness of VerbalizAPP for the treatment of PSA. However, larger prospective validation studies should be conducted to recommend its widespread use.