SmallTalk Dysphagia app

SmallTalk Dysphagia app

  • An app for someone with both speech and swallowing problems - to help them communicate with their carer.
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SmallTalk Dysphagia app By Lingraphica

Features

  • A vocabulary of pictures and icons  that talk in a natural human voice.
  • Demonstration videos.
Clinical review 

3 star review


Read a clinical review below.
Security and privacy Does the app:
  • Collect medical information? No
  • Require a login? No
  • Have password protection? No
  • Have a privacy policy? No
  • Require internet access to use? No

Read more about safety and security when using apps.

Brochures:
Tips to improve your privacy and security [PNG, 200 KB] Health Navigator Charitable Trust, NZ
Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ
Cost Free
How to get the app

This app is a library of pictures and icons  that have a natural human voice over. It is aimed at someone with both speech and swallowing problems, to help them communicate with their carer. The pictures and icons are of phrases that relate to swallowing such as "I need chin support", "I need a special cup", etc. The icons are arranged sequentially to coincide with the start and conclusion of a meal. The app has four videos demonstrating more complex concepts.

For a complete app description, go to the App Store(external link) or for a more detailed review, see reviews below.

PROS CONS 

✔ Developed by speech language therapists.

✔ Choose a female or male voice.

✔ 50 “cards” to describe meal assistance, equipment, dietary modification, how to take medications, and swallow techniques.

✔ Each phrase includes a picture, text and audio.

✔ Four videos for compensatory swallow techniques (techniques helpful with certain types of dysphagia).

✘ Last updated 3 years ago

✘ The preview text is cut off in the selection menu for most cards. This may cause difficulty in choosing the correct phrase. For example there are two cards that are labelled “I take my medication…”

Clinical review

3 star review



Reviewer: Jeremy Steinberg, GP, FRNZCGP
Date of review: July 2019
Platform: Apple
Version: 3.4
Comments: This is an audio-visual communication tool for people with both speech and swallowing problems. Some people with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) also have dysarthria (problems with speech) and this tool could help them communicate with their carer(s) on issues related to swallowing.
Safety concerns: None.
New Zealand relevance: Relevant.

Consumer guide: how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide: how to choose a health app
NZ health app library
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Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

Read more at: https://healthify.nz/apps/s/smalltalk-dysphagia-app/
Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust