Design and Validation of a Telerehabilitation Program for People with Aphasia

Abstract

This article presents the design and validation of a speech therapy telerehabilitation program for people with aphasia, based on linguistic and cognitive processing models. A set of interactive activities was developed and subject to evaluation by a panel of 16 aphasia experts. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to examine the relevance, adequacy, and coherence of these activities, as well as the clarity of the instructions. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was applied to assess the reliability of the activities, with values ranging from 0.916 to 0.963, which indicates high reliability. The program was incorporated into an online platform developed using Genially, including 48 activities designed to promote communication, cognition, and both oral and written language. The design and validation phase of the telerehabilitation program was conducted via Microsoft Teams and included participants with aphasia from various countries who exhibited high communicative functionality. The program's potential to facilitate communication and the exchange of experiences in a virtual environment was also demonstrated. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of developing programs that leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance communication, language, and cognition in individuals with aphasia. This strategy is effective in facilitating inclusion and social participation.