People with aphasia using a self-administered naming therapy app (SANTA): their perspective

Background: For people with aphasia (PWA) the most common difficulty is the ability to name people and things (Papathanasiou et al 2013). A number of therapy techniques have been developed to help with word retrieval, such as facilitation therapy, which has long lasting results. However, it is only item specific. Furthermore, when working on naming in therapy, the average number of words treated per session ranges from 30-40 (Snell et al 2010). Software applications have the potential to allow PWA to work on large, self–selected vocabularies. However, most current applications have fixed vocabularies. The SANTA app enables a person to self-select items and has unlimited access to words they want to practice. Objectives: This study evaluates perceptions of the SANTA app and investigates how those involved in the study found using the app; how they got on adding words; when they practiced. Methods: Six participants were involved. All were sourced from a HSE clinic. They ranged from moderate to severe chronic aphasia. The methodology involved nine interviews; six with PWA and three with carers. An interview guide was designed and semi-structured interviews were carried out. Ramps were employed to help those PWA who had difficulty communicating. Results: Three main themes were identified; reactions to app, using the app and significance to aphasia, with nine sub themes. The general feeling towards the app was positive. Participants identified benefits; finding words and speaking. A limitation was the lack of a delete button. Conclusions: The PWA felt the SANTA app brought about improvements to their communication. One participant recognised reminiscence therapy as another use for the app.