The development of communication support app for people with aphasia

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25590136
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Social welfare and social work studies
• Research Institution: Prefectural University of Hiroshima
• Principal Investigator: BOOKA MINEKO 県立広島大学, 保健福祉学部, 准教授 (80405521)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): HIROTOMI Tetsuya 島根大学, 総合理工学研究科, 准教授 (70379692)
• Research Collaborator: NOZU Shiori (株)テクノプロジェクト
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 失語症 / コミュニケーションアプリ / コミュニケーション支援 / タブレット / AAC

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The use of mobile technology on tablet devices is now readily available for people with aphasia (PA). However, it is difficult for them to find a word by categories. We have developed a communication support app on tablet devices to gather basic data and analyze them.
Nine subjects of chronic phase (2 slight, 5 moderate, 3 severe) showed the effectiveness and future problems in the utilization of the app among PA.In particular, app usage was more effective among the PA who are diagnosed severe or moderate in finding words on the app. Furthermore, data showed the app was more effective in communicating target words that are difficult to draw or gesture.In contrast, the app was difficult for PA who are not accustomed to using a tablet or have a difficulty understanding the categories on the app. Therefore we are planning to develop scroll and swipe system to improve app usability.

Free Research Field

言語聴覚療法