Open AccessDevelopment of a concept for a mobile application to support orofacial myofunctional therapy
Author(s) -
Christina Osen,
Nicola Litke,
Michel Wensing,
Aline Weis
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the international journal of orofacial myology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2694-2526
pISSN - 0735-0120
DOI - 10.52010/ijom.2021.47.1.2
Subject(s) - focus group , perception , qualitative research , computer science , multimedia , applied psychology , medical education , psychology , human–computer interaction , medicine , social science , marketing , neuroscience , sociology , business
This study aimed to develop a concept for a mobile health application, an app-based exercise tool, to support the treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders by speech-language therapists (SLTs). Method:A sequential mixed research design combining qualitative research and user-centered software development was applied. Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with eight SLTs, one patient and three relatives to gather ideas for an app to support orofacial myofunctional therapy. On the basis of the findings, a paper-based prototype was developed, which was then evaluated by seven end users, to refine the concept of the app. Results: Qualitative data on desirable functionalities were clustered into topics and related subcategories containing general ideas for the app – a control mechanism, a reward system, the visualization of exercises, and pop-up messages for reminders and recommendations. The paper prototype was developed that addressed these functionalities. Discussion: An app-based exercise tool is considered to have added value for orofacial myofunctional therapy. A prototype for a mobile application is ready for programming and subsequent testing in the treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders by conducting additional interviews to ascertain patients’ perceptions.