Using co‐design to develop a tool for shared goal‐setting with parents in speech and language therapy

Authors Ingrid Singer, Inge Klatte, Rosa de Vries, Remko van der Lugt, Ellen Gerrits
Published in International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders
Publication date 2022
Research groups Co-design, Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication
Type Article

Summary

Background Despite the compelling case for engaging parents in speech and language therapy, research indicates that speech and language therapists (SLTs) currently have a leading role in the goal-setting process of therapy for children with developmental language disorder (DLD). Therefore, we set out to develop a tool that aims to support the dialogue between SLTs and parents and enhance shared decision-making about children's communicative participation goals. We used co-design techniques with SLT–practitioners to include their perspectives throughout the design process. Although co-design has been used for some years in healthcare research, it is still a relatively new research methodology in the field of speech and language therapy. Aims To provide a detailed description of the co-design process that led to the development of a physical artefact that can support SLTs to engage parents of children with DLD in collaborative goal-setting. Methods & Procedures The Design Council's Double Diamond model was used to develop a tool in co-design, together with eight SLTs, who participated in all stages of the development process. Usability was tested in actual goal-setting conversations between four SLTs and 11 parents of a child with DLD resulting in stepwise improvements. In addition, usability of the first and final prototypes was tested with five usability criteria that were rated on a 10-point scale by 64 SLTs. Outcomes & Results The co-design process resulted in the development of a physical prototype of the tool called ‘ENGAGE’, consisting of a metal ‘tree trunk’ on which parents can stick magnetic ‘leaves’ containing potential participation goals for their child. The ‘tree’ shape represents a child's development and opportunities for growth. This first prototype received marks between 7.0 and 8.0 out of 10 on attractiveness, user-friendliness, safety, functionality and affordability. After several iterations, there were significantly higher marks for attractiveness, user-friendliness and safety in favour for the final prototype. Marks for functionality and affordability did not change significantly. Conclusions & Implications As researchers we usually develop pen-and-paper tools, interview protocols, apps or questionnaires to support clinical practice. Including the SLTs’ perspectives in the design process resulted in a tree-shaped physical artefact that, according to the SLTs, helps to order information and encourages and guides their dialogue with parents. We strongly advocate the inclusion of end-users in developing innovative user-centred tools for speech and language therapy and we hope that this will become widespread practice.

On this publication contributed

  • Ingrid Singer | Researcher | Research group Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication
    Ingrid Singer
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication
  • Inge Klatte | Researcher | Research group Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication
    Inge Klatte
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication
  • Rosa de Vries | Researcher | Co-design research group
    Rosa de Vries
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Co-design
  • Remko van der Lugt | Professor | Research group Co-Design
    Remko van der Lugt
    • Professor
    • Research group: Co-design
  • Ellen Gerrits | Professor | Research group Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication
    Ellen Gerrits
    • Professor
    • Research group: Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication

Language English
Published in International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders
Year and volume 57 6
Key words speech and language therapy, co-design, children with developmental language disorder (DLD), parent engagement
Digital Object Identifier 10.1111/1460-6984.12753
Page range 1281-1303

Ingrid Singer

Ingrid Singer | Researcher | Research group Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication

Ingrid Singer

  • Researcher
  • Research group: Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through communication