Naming therapy via SANTA: measuring the effectiveness of facilitation naming therapy via a web-based app

Background: Word retrieval difficulty (anomia) is almost universal in aphasias of all types. Most naming therapy however is only effective for the treated words (Best et al 2002; Nickels 2002; Wisenburn and Mahoney 2009). Size and usefulness of vocabulary is therefore paramount in therapy. Recent studies have found that facilitation therapy is effective at treating large sets of words (Kelly and Franklin 2012). Although traditional service delivery models treat small sets of words, this could be easily increased using software applications (apps). However most naming apps contain a small, fixed vocabulary of words or require adaptation by the therapist. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the following: (i) Will people with aphasia (PWA) use a self-administered, naming therapy app (SANTA); and (ii) Is facilitation naming therapy effective in improving naming performance in PWA when self-administered via a customisable, web-based app (SANTA)? Methods: SANTA allows PWA to self-select items and use facilitation therapy for themselves. They touch the picture and the app produces the spoken word for them to repeat. Six participants with chronic anomia post CVA piloted the app. Naming abilities were tested at follow up on the Boston naming test (control measure) and the treatment sets (words added to the app by participants). Items of a frequency of less than 10 in both sets were compared. Results: Participants MJ, CM and BA showed the highest usage of the app during and post intervention. These participants had an average of 122 words and 821 clicks each whereas participants CV, NA and PM averaged 63 words and 232 clicks. All participants (with the exception of NA) were more accurate on treated sets, but only MJ, CM and BA showed a significant difference. Conclusions: Naming on treated items improved for three participants. When usage data was examined, these three participants used the app the most. The findings of this study suggest that self-administered facilitation naming therapy via a web-based app is feasible and effective.