Interprofessional Practitioners' Opinions on Features and Services for an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Brain-Computer Interface Device

Abstract

Background: Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is an emerging access method to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.

Objectives: To identify, in the early stages of research and development, the perceptions and considerations of interprofessional practice (IPP) team members regarding features and functions for an AAC-BCI device.

Design: Qualitative research methodology applying a grounded theory approach using focus groups with a follow-up survey of participants using NVivo analysis software supporting inductive coding of transcription data.

Setting: Focus groups held at university, clinic, and industry conference rooms. Discussion was stimulated by a 14-minute video on an AAC-BCI device prototype. The prototype hardware and electroencephalography (EEG) gel and dry electrode headgear were on display.

Participants: Convenience sample of practitioners providing rehabilitation or clinical services to individuals with severe communication disorders and movement impairments who use AAC and/or other assistive technology.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: Descriptive statistics using thematic analysis of participants' opinions, input, and feedback on the ideal design for a noninvasive, EEG-based P300 AAC-BCI device.

Results: Interrater and interjudge reliability were at 98% and 100%, respectively, for transcription and researcher coding. Triangulation of multiple data sources supported theme and subtheme identification that included design features, set-up and calibration, services, and effectiveness. An AAC device with BCI access was unanimously confirmed (100%) as a desirable commercial product. Participants felt that the AAC-BCI prototype appeared effective for meeting daily communication needs (75%). Results showed that participants' preference on headgear types would change based on accuracy (91%) and rate (83%) of performance. A data-logging feature was considered beneficial by 100% of participants.

Conclusions: IPP teams provided critical impressions on design, services, and features for a commercial AAC-BCI device. Expressed feature and function preferences showed dependence on communication accuracy, rate, and effectiveness. This provides vital guidance for successful clinical deployment.

Figure 1.

Images from the video that represent the design of the augmentative and alternative communication brain-computer interface as presented to the focus group participants.

Figure 2.

Pie chart representing percentage of the focus group participants’ weekly clinical service time dedicated to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Figure 3.

Photo comparing brain-computer interface headgear types: gel electrode cap (left) and dry electrode headset (right).

Figure 4.

Bar graph representing responses to importance of the data-logging feature (Q18).