The Application of Artificial Intelligence in Speech and Language Therapy: Attitudes and Expectations

What is already known on this subject Stakeholder involvement is important in the development and implication of artificial intelligence in health care. Stakeholder attitudes towards the use of AI in healthcare have been investigated for the populations of physicians, medical students and patients. However, no study has yet addressed the specific perspective of speech and language therapists on this technology. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The majority of the participants are open-minded towards the application of AI in SLT and think that it will be used in our profession in the future. Perceived potential benefits and challenges align with the literature to some degree. One aspect that is especially emphasised by the participants is the potential loss of 'human-factor' in SLT. Results reflect participants' knowledge on AI as well as a specific therapeutic view on healthcare and intervention. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? AI application in SLT has great potential, but also comes with challenges. Speech and language therapists need to expand their knowledge on this technology, prepare specific guidelines and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations to specify their perspective and needs in developing and implementing AI-software. Only then will it become truly useful for clinicians and they will be able to use it in a responsible and informed way.