Trends in Computer Use among ASHA Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists 1982-2003:

ASHA has collected valuable information on trends in use of computers by ASHA audiologists and speech-language pathologists as part of both regular annual member surveys (Omnibus survey) and through intermittent targeted or topical surveys. This information has been gathered since 1982, when the use of computers in work settings was in its initial stages. The questions posed to ASHA constituents and the resulting data have evolved along with the general increase in the use of computers and the development of novel applications.

In the early years of gathering data on computer use, questions focused on basic issues of access. Thus, in the 1982 Omnibus survey, the question was first posed as to how frequently ASHA constituents used computers in their work environment. This question was asked regularly (in the Omnibus survey) from 1982 through 1991. As may be noted in the table below, ASHA constituents dramatically increased their use of computers over this period. A follow up question in the 1995 Omnibus asked about frequency of use by profession and by work or home setting. This question revealed that eighty percent of speech-language pathologists and ninety percent of audiologists use a computer at their office, home, or both.

Another survey area probed in the early years was the purpose of computer use. The 1982 Omnibus reported that administrative applications were the most common use for computers (39%), followed closely by storage of records (37%), research (33%) and client/patient diagnosis or treatment (25%) (note that these figures sum to more than 100% since respondents could respond to multiple categories). In 1985, administrative uses (46%) and storage of records (36%) were still the predominant applications for computers. However, a growing percentage of responses indicated that client/patient diagnosis (18%) or treatment (35%) were becoming increasingly important uses of computers in the workplace for ASHA constituents, while research use diminished (16%).

The increased trend toward more use of computers for patient/client evaluation and treatment continued in 1986-87 and 1988, with a concurrent increase in word processing functions, and ongoing decrease in research applications. In 1990, ASHA constituents (17%) indicated that they used computers for program evaluation and/or quality assurance, reflecting a new emphasis on these areas in the professions. A survey of school-based clinicians in 2000 showed that patient/client assessment and intervention remained common uses of the computer (55%), along with administrative applications (82%). Billing and documentation were the most common computer applications noted in a survey of speech-language pathologists in healthcare settings in 2002.

Beginning in 1994, the use of new online applications by ASHA constituents was explored. In that year, less than one-quarter of survey respondents (23%) reported using an online service. In ensuing years, more specific questions were asked regarding various aspects of access to online services. Access to a modem increased markedly from 1995 (48%) to 1996 (56%) and to 1999 (88%). Access to internet providers also increased in a rapid fashion from 1995 to 1996 (23% and 53% respectively). The advent of email as a common communication application is reflected by a high (87%) access rate in 1999. The use of computers to access ASHA’s website has grown notably as well. In 2000, ASHA constituents reported accessing the website less than once a month (mean=0.8), while in 2003, access was at 2.7 times a month.

Summary

Computer use among ASHA constituents has increased dramatically from the early 1980s when ASHA began to track its use through member survey questions. Different purposes for computer use in the workplace have evolved along with the burgeoning use of technology. Currently, the vast majority of ASHA constituents have access to computers and to online services of various kinds, including accessing the ASHA website.

As ASHA constituents increase their mastery of computer use, new applications and technologies continue to emerge. One such area is telepractice. Another is distance learning. These topics will be addressed in separate reports.

For further information about these data, contact Louise Zingeser (800-498-2071 ext. 4242 or lzingeser@asha.org).