Talk-More: a device to monitor talking time
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: School of Health Sciences
Abstract
I am developing a device to monitor talking time to support speech recovery after brain injury such as stroke. This device is like an exercise tracker but for speech and is called Talk-More.
We know that the best way to improve speech after any sort of brain injury is to practice, practice and then practice some more. I'm a speech and language therapist and know that people who have a stroke or brain injury are at high risk of social isolation. Talking can be hard work, particularly if it sounds unclear or different to how it did before. People can feel embarrassed about their speech and cut down on socialising.
Social isolation and loneliness can happen more as people get older anyway and we know that this leads to poor physical and mental health.
Talking to stroke survivors they suggested that a device to track talking time could motivate people in the same way exercise trackers motivate people.
I spoke to some engineers at the University of Manchester, and they have worked with me to develop a prototype of this speech tracking device. It does not record people but monitors each time the person talks. We need to do some more work to see what people think of it, how easy it is to use and how comfortable they feel using it.
Hopefully this device will encourage people to think about engaging socially and increase their talking time to both help their speech recovery and reduce social isolation.
We know that the best way to improve speech after any sort of brain injury is to practice, practice and then practice some more. I'm a speech and language therapist and know that people who have a stroke or brain injury are at high risk of social isolation. Talking can be hard work, particularly if it sounds unclear or different to how it did before. People can feel embarrassed about their speech and cut down on socialising.
Social isolation and loneliness can happen more as people get older anyway and we know that this leads to poor physical and mental health.
Talking to stroke survivors they suggested that a device to track talking time could motivate people in the same way exercise trackers motivate people.
I spoke to some engineers at the University of Manchester, and they have worked with me to develop a prototype of this speech tracking device. It does not record people but monitors each time the person talks. We need to do some more work to see what people think of it, how easy it is to use and how comfortable they feel using it.
Hopefully this device will encourage people to think about engaging socially and increase their talking time to both help their speech recovery and reduce social isolation.
Organisations
| Description | This funding was to explore the possibility of using a 'pedometer' for speaking, so a device to monitor talking time. This was conceived for use with stroke and brain injury survivors as a wearable device to monitor the amount of talking to support their rehabilitation. The funding allowed us the time to explore the potential of this device with clinicians and stroke/brain injury survivors. Our exploration of this idea allowed us to consider the importance of talking and connections in everyday life for individuals and society. The potential of this new market for health technology. That there is a growing awareness of patient groups and clinicians of how technology can support self-care and motivation. |
| Exploitation Route | The intention is now to seek funding to further develop this idea and to use it as part of clinical research to explore fidelity to interventions and understand the role of motivation in patient recovery and rehabilitation. |
| Sectors | Healthcare |