Perceptions on Telerehabilitation of Persons with Aphasia and Their Carer

Telerehabilitation, the use of telecommunications technology to provide remote speech-language services, has the potential to overcome barriers commonly associated with aphasia. While growing research provides evidence of feasibility and effectiveness of telerehabilitation, studies pertaining to perceptions are scarce. The aim of the exploratory study was to investigate access, usage, and perceptions of persons with aphasia (PWA) and their carers on telerehabilitation and to evaluate if perceptions changed after information about telerehabilitation was provided using a questionnaire. PWA and their carers were recruited from a metropolitan community center to obtain opinions regarding use and comfort level with technology; and perceived benefits and barriers to telerehabilitation. The study began with three dyads; however, only one dyad completed survey questionnaires pre-and post-educational presentation on telerehabilitation. Outcomes discovered PWA and carers had access to and used technology and were interested in telerehabilitation but had not previously heard of the remote service delivery model. Cost-benefit of money and time saved were facilitating factors to use, with barriers reported as unfamiliarity with the technology required.