Acceptance and Barriers to the Implementation of Technology in Orofacial Myology in Portugal
2Orofacial Motricity Department of the Portuguese Society of Speech and Language Therapy, Portugal
3Hospital da Luz - ENT dept, Lisbon, Portugal
4Hospital Trofa Saúde, Braga, Portugal
5Destrava Linguas - Health, education and well-being activities, Lisbon, Portugal
6Health School Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
7Fernando Pessoa University, Health School, FP-I3ID, FP-BHS, RISE, Porto, Portugal
Integrating technology into Orofacial Myology (OM) presents a transformative opportunity to enhance therapeutic practices and improve clinical outcomes. This study investigated the acceptance of digital tools and the barriers to their implementation among Speech-Language Therapists (SLTs) in Portugal, employing a questionnaire validated by a panel of five experts. Data were collected nationwide through an online survey, with 133 respondents providing valuable insights. Findings revealed a predominantly positive attitude toward technology adoption, with 74.4% of participants reporting its use in clinical practice, particularly for intervention purposes (97,1%). The most frequently recognized technologies included electrical stimulation devices (71.4%), mobile applications (49,6%), and biofeedback instruments (42,1%). SLTs identified several key benefits, such as increased assessment accuracy, enhanced patient engagement, and improved monitoring capabilities. However, significant barriers were also noted. Financial constraints were cited as the most restrictive factor (88%), alongside limited access to training opportunities (45.9%) and challenges in securing patient cooperation (32,3%). Despite these obstacles, enthusiasm for professional development was high, with 85% of respondents expressing interest in technology-focused training programs. The primary motivators for adoption included affordability (86,5%), ease of use (78,2%), and the increase in intervention efficiency (72,2%). Participants emphasized the need for increased access to cost-effective tools, streamlined administrative processes, and evidence-based research to validate the efficacy of technology in OM. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the enablers and barriers to technology integration in OM, offering actionable insights for advancing clinical practice. Addressing these challenges is critical for fostering innovation, enhancing professional capabilities, and improving patient care.