Application of computers to the treatment of US veterans with aphasia

Abstract

Background: Over the course of years, a variety of computer programs and related technologies have been developed by clinicians and researchers in the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VA) in an effort to improve understanding of and develop accessible and effective treatment for aphasia.

Aims: To review the development of computer‐based speech‐language pathology services in the VA.

Methods and Procedures: The efforts of VA clinician‐researchers to develop and test computer‐based speech‐language pathology services are grouped into three areas: remote applications, compensatory applications, and research applications.

Outcomes & Results: The work cited in this article illustrates that VA clinician‐researchers have long recognised that the role of technology in aphasia rehabilitation is not simply to increase efficiency and access to care, but also to improve the content of the care we provided to our patients.

Conclusions: These efforts are consistent with other attempts in the VA to use recent technology to improve the quality and efficiency of, and access to, care for veterans. The goal is to provide all people with aphasia the opportunity to receive the best possible language and cognitive treatment.

Keywords:

• Aphasia
• Communication
• Computer
• Efficacy
• Speech therapy
• Speech treatment