Information and Communications Technology Used by Polish Speech-Language Therapists: Research Project Report

This article presents the findings from the 2023 research project carried out in Poland among Polish speech-language therapists (SLTs). The study was quantitative in its general approach, but it also included some open-ended questions. The online questionnaire, consisting of 47 questions, was shared with the Polish Association of Speech Therapists, the Polish Logopedic Society, various psychological and pedagogical counseling centers, and the universities which offer courses in neurological speech therapy (designed solely for SLTs), as well as publishing it on social media groups for SLT, e.g. Logopedki bez hejtu! on Facebook (Female SLTs without hate). The research project involved 105 participants (n = 105), most of whom were women (n = 103), one man and one person decided not to declare their gender identity. The aims of the research project were 1) describing how new technologies can support speech therapists in their work; 2) developing new digital media applications in speech therapy; 3) setting out guidelines and recommendations on using new technologies in speech therapy. This article is however to present the replies to the following questions. 1) What kind of devices and applications/software do Polish SLTs use in their practice? 2) How do they use information and communications technology (ICT) in their practice? 3) Do they work online with other specialists, patients, and parents/caregivers? It appears that Polish SLTs often use ICT (usually: a computer with Internet access in their offices) as a way to prepare themselves for work, e.g. making worksheet and flashcard print outs. However, the SLTs work offline (in person) definitely more often than online (remotely).