Applying Implementation Science to Support Active Collaboration in Noninvasive Brain-Computer Interface Development and Translation for Augmentative and Alternative Communication

• Published in: American journal of speech-language pathology 2022-01, Vol.31 (1), p.515-526
• Main Authors: Pitt, Kevin M, Dietz, Aimee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Augmentative and alternative communication; Brain; Brain research; Brain-Computer Interfaces; Cerebral palsy; Collaboration; Communication; Communication Aids for Disabled; Community Services; Computer Interfaces; Computer mediated communication; Computers; Developmental Stages; Educational Methods; Educational Strategies; Educational Technology; Ethnic Groups; Evidence Based Practice; Evidence-based medicine; Focus Groups; Humans; Implementation Science; Individual Characteristics; Intervention; Medical personnel; Methods Research; Physical Disabilities; Physically disabled persons; R&D; Research & development; Research and Development; Researchers; Science; Self Management; Semi Structured Interviews; Social Support Groups; Speech Communication; Speech therapy; Stakeholders; Training Methods; Translating and interpreting; Translation
• ISSN: 1058-0360; 1558-9110
• DOI: 10.1044/2021_AJSLP-21-00152

The purpose of this article is to consider how, alongside engineering advancements, noninvasive brain-computer interface (BCI) for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC; BCI-AAC) developments can leverage implementation science to increase the clinical impact of this technology. We offer the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as a structure to help guide future BCI-AAC research. Specifically, we discuss CFIR primary domains that include intervention characteristics, the outer and inner settings, the individuals involved in the intervention, and the process of implementation, alongside pertinent subdomains including adaptability, cost, patient needs and recourses, implementation climate, other personal attributes, and the process of engaging. The authors support their view with current citations from both the AAC and BCI-AAC fields. The article aimed to provide thoughtful considerations for how future research may leverage the CFIR to support meaningful BCI-AAC translation for those with severe physical impairments. We believe that, although significant barriers to BCI-AAC development still exist, incorporating implementation research may be timely for the field of BCI-AAC and help account for diversity in end users, navigate implementation obstacles, and support a smooth and efficient translation of BCI-AAC technology. Moreover, the sooner clinicians, individuals who use AAC, their support networks, and engineers collectively improve BCI-AAC outcomes and the efficiency of translation, the sooner BCI-AAC may become an everyday tool in the AAC arsenal.