Research Appraisals

American journal of speech-language pathology

Effect of the Fake Phone Call App on Patient Adherence Behavior and Motivation in Conversation Training Therapy: A Randomized Crossover Trial

PURPOSE: The Fake Phone Call app was previously developed and feasibility-tested for conversational target voice practice in resonant voice therapy. The purpose of the present study was to examine its effect on adherence and motivation for conversational practice in conversation training therapy (CTT) as well as its usability and utility in CTT. METHOD: Eleven patients referred for voice therapy served as their own control in a randomized crossover trial comparing 1 week of app-supported homework practice with 1 week of standard-of-care homework completion in CTT. Dependent variables included adherence and motivation variables. In addition, usability and utility as well as outcomes were examined at study completion. RESULTS: App support significantly increased practice frequency, practice fidelity, and goal commitment for practice. Usability and utility were good. Exploratory investigation revealed that patients randomized to receive the app condition first and the standard-of-care condition second had greater gains on all study variables and significantly greater self-reported generalization at treatment completion. CONCLUSION: Fake Phone Call support significantly improves adherence and motivation for CTT, with additional benefits when provided earlier in therapy.