Journal article
Development of an mHealth Application for Self-Management of Post-Stroke Aphasia: Protocol for Experience-Based Co-Design, User Experience Testing, Feasibility Field Test and Process Evaluation
International journal of language & communication disorders, Vol.60(6), pp.1-8
11/2025
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Background: Speech and language therapy for post-stroke aphasia (language/communication impairment) improves language and communication in the short-term; however, access to therapy is limited, and effects are not always maintained. Mobile Health (mHealth) applications may support long-term therapy access and maintenance of gains. We present a protocol for the co-design and evaluation of a novel mHealth application for self-managed aphasia therapy.
Methods: An mHealth application will be developed using Experience-Based Co-Design and Human-Centred Design with people with aphasia (PWA), significant others (SO) and health professionals (HPs). Focus groups will explore self-management experiences and establish co-design priorities using the nominal group technique (n = 10–15 each group). The prototype will be co-designed in eight workshops (n = 4 each group) and evaluated via adapted user-experience (UX) testing. UX testing will use pluralistic walk-throughs, think-aloud evaluations and measures of satisfaction (SUS) and acceptance/intended use (UTAUT-2) (PWA n = 10, SO n = 5, HP n = 10). Feasibility and preliminary efficacy (primary outcomes of treatment adherence and goal attainment) will be assessed through a 4-week field test, followed by focus groups (PWA and SO, n = 20 each). A process evaluation will assess factors influencing (1) the process and outcomes of research involvement, and (2) the functioning and acceptability of the prototype application.
Discussion: Outcomes will include a prototype co-designed mHealth application for self-management of post-stroke aphasia and evidence of acceptability, usability and preliminary efficacy. The process evaluation will increase understanding of the adjustments required to support meaningful participation of PWA in co-design, and future directions for application development and scale-up.
Details
- Title
- Development of an mHealth Application for Self-Management of Post-Stroke Aphasia: Protocol for Experience-Based Co-Design, User Experience Testing, Feasibility Field Test and Process Evaluation
- Creators
- Sarah J Wallace - The University of QueenslandZheng Yen Ng - The University of QueenslandBridget Burton - The University of QueenslandMegan Isaacs - The University of QueenslandRyan Deslandes - The University of QueenslandGopal Sinh - The University of QueenslandKim Barron - The University of QueenslandPhill Jamieson - The University of QueenslandKirstine A Shrubsole - The University of QueenslandDavid A Copland - The University of QueenslandJanet Wiles - The University of QueenslandVictoria J Palmer - The University of MelbournePippa Evans - The University of QueenslandKyla Hudson - The University of QueenslandAnthony J Angwin - The University of QueenslandAnnie J Hill - The University of QueenslandBarbra H B Timmer - The University of QueenslandMatthew J Gullo - Griffith UniversityJessica H Campbell - The University of QueenslandPeter Worthy - The University of Queensland
- Publication Details
- International journal of language & communication disorders, Vol.60(6), pp.1-8
- Publisher
- Wiley; HOBOKEN
- Grant note
- This research project is funded by the Medical Research Future Fund(MRFF) Cardiovascular Health Mission—2020 Cardiovascular HealthGrant Opportunity (MRF2007460).
- Identifiers
- 991013328522702368
- Copyright
- © 2025 Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
- Academic Unit
- Allied Health and Midwifery; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article