Building an Online Platform for Speech and Language Therapy in Germany: Users Needs and Requirements

Abstract

The aim of the HiSSS project is to develop a hybrid teletherapy system for people with speech and language disorders after stroke. This system should cover both face-to-face and video therapy and also enable patients to do independent exercises at home. This paper describes the analysis of the requirements and needs for such a system. The requirements analysis is based on literature and app research on the one hand and on the results of a focus group with speech and language therapists (SLTs) on the other. The literature research includes publications on the development and evaluation of technology for speech and language therapy for people after stroke. The app research aimed to derive requirements from the feedback on existing apps used in speech and language therapy. This was followed by a focus group with 3 SLTs who have previous experience of delivering video therapy. The results show overlaps, but also their own main areas of focus: While the literature research revealed more general requirements, the app research and the focus group indicated concrete wishes for specific functions. The synthesis of the results of the literature and app research and the focus group was essential to comprehensively collect and specify the requirements and user needs for a teletherapy system. The comparison between the results of the literature review and results of the focus group demonstrated the need for user involvement in technical development as early as possible. The amount of implementation ideas and the commitment shown by the therapists highlights the relevance for a teletherapy system in Germany that integrates three elements: (1) face to face therapy, and (2) video therapy and (3) home exercises.