مجلة جامعة الزيتونة الدولية للنشر العلمي مجلة علمية، محكمة، شهرية، مفتوحة الوصول
Abstract:
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare is transforming various fields, including speech and language pathology. Understanding the perspectives of speech and language pathologists (SLPs) on AI is crucial for identifying future developments and improvements in this domain. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how SLPs in Palestine view the future role of AI in their field and to inform potential developments and improvements in speech and language pathology. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to 357 SLPs across Palestine. The questionnaire assessed current AI usage, anticipated challenges and opportunities, and future and ethical considerations related to AI in speech and language therapy. The mean score for current AI usage was 27.43 (SD = 6.61) out of 45. Most respondents were familiar with AI-based speech recognition tools (73.9%) and confident in their accuracy (70%), but few followed AI developments (9.8%) or planned to adopt new AI techniques soon (14.2%). Age significantly affected AI application, with the 31-40 age groups showing higher engagement. Educational level and work experience did not show significant effects. The mean score for challenges and opportunities was 23.6 (SD = 4.32) out of 35. A majority believed AI would significantly contribute to research (73.7%) and enhance therapy efficiency (65%). Educational level significantly influenced expectations, with master’s degree holders showing greater positivity. The mean score for future and ethical considerations was 27.91 (SD = 4.11) out of 40. The need for additional training was highly emphasized (86.6%), along with AI complementing SLPs in decision-making (70.3%). There was a universal concern for ethical considerations, with a positive correlation found between familiarity with AI and awareness of its challenges and ethical implications.
The findings highlight the need for targeted training programs to enhance AI adoption across all age groups and educational backgrounds in Palestine. Ethical guidelines and transparency in AI systems are critical for building trust among professionals.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Speech and Language Pathologists, AI Integration, Ethical Considerations, Professional Training, Healthcare Technology.
Introduction:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing clinical practice by delivering innovative tools that significantly enhance patient outcomes. These technological advancements make speech therapy more efficient and effective, benefiting patients and practitioners alike. AI has brought substantial improvements to clinical documentation by automating various tasks, such as objective evaluations and documentation processes [1]
In speech therapy, AI technologies, such as automatic speech recognition for dysarthric speech, Eulerian video magnification for subtle cues, and digital phenotyping for continuous symptom monitoring, have revolutionized patient care. Virtual reality assists in communication practice, gamification enhances engagement, and specialized apps like Stamurai provide customized exercises for assessing emotional well-being. Evidence-based voice therapy now incorporates voice-controlled models, ensuring more efficient and dynamic patient care [2, 3].
AI is quick and accurate, greatly improving documentation and enabling the creation of customized exercises based on speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’) suggestions. It excels as a data analyzer, effectively gathering and organizing data to spot changes in communication patterns and provide real-time biofeedback during speech. AI’s ability to deliver client-centered care is one of its main advantages, as it can provide precise insights into each patient’s needs and treatment goals [3,4]
However, integrating AI into speech therapy faces challenges, such as the need for widespread broadband internet connectivity and rigorous testing of emerging technologies. Future research should evaluate AI applications in real-world contexts, including virtual reality, to ensure their effectiveness. The adoption of telepractice is hindered by outdated licensing requirements for SLPs, but recent efforts aim to improve license portability and reduce regulatory obstacles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the reimbursement model for home visits remains uncertain, necessitating a shift to rely on monthly payments [5,6]
Speech therapists are increasingly recognizing the transformative potential of AI, with studies highlighting its applications in speech recognition and cognitive behavioral therapy. However, ethical concerns about AI’s use in identifying and framing autistic individuals raise questions about its implications. This has prompted a shift towards a more relational ethical framework in AI use [5,7].
In summary, while AI holds great promise in transforming speech therapy, addressing technical, regulatory, and ethical challenges is crucial for realizing its full potential and ultimately providing more effective and accessible care.
BY :
| Dr. Hala Jarrar1 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences – Department of Allied and Applied Medical Sciences Audiology and Speech Sciences- An-Najah National University- Nablus-Palestine Hala.jarrar@najah.edu | Kareem Jawdat Bani Odeh2 Speech therapist Tubas-Palestine kareembo2002@gmail.com, | Malak Taleb Hussein3 Speech therapist Hebron- Palestine malakawad32@gmail.com |
| Mohammad Ahmad Hamadeh4 Speech therapist Jerusalem –Palestine mohammadhamadeh2002@gmail.com | Mohammad Khaled Alfaqeh5 Bethlehem- Palestine malfqyh917@gmail.com, | Nadeen Nafez Jubran6 Speech therapist Jerusalem –Palestine nadeenjubran8@gmail.com |
| Noor Abed Al-Ghaffar Sharabati7 Speech therapist Jerusalem –Palestine noorsharabaty314@gmail.com | ||
