The Basic Study on the Platform of Language-Communication Assessment Protocol Application for Tablet PC by the Focus Group Interview (FGI) Method

Abstract

As for degraded cognitive ability observed in the elderly population, early detection and efficient care are feasible through language-communication assessment protocol in the use of tablet device. Language- communication assessment in the use of tablet device has made objectivity and consistency of the suggestion of test items, convenience of preservation and record of the performance ability, and suggestion of norm on the language ability possible. This study has identified elements, to be considered to suggest the language-communication assessment protocol development platform in the use of service-oriented architecture (SOA) through the group interview with speech pathologists and engineering specialists. The necessity of language-communication assessment protocol development for tablet device has been identified in three domains including the assessment method, mobility, and efficiency & accuracy. However, it was revealed that uniqueness of sub-category of language-communication assessment and environment and expenses of using devices shall be considered at the same time to realize them. Since SOA provides the custom applied programs by considering the role of user, circumstances of wireless communication and remaining electricity of tablet device in connection with previous services, it is expected to make efficient languagecommunication assessment feasible on the elderly for a long time.