aTOOR - Advanced technologies as tools for teletherapy - development

The aTOOR project consists of two sub-projects (investment project and development project), which are closely interconnected. The aTOOR project develops new technology-based methods and operating models for remote therapy. The project addresses regional challenges in North Karelia and more broadly in Eastern Finland: the availability of therapy services in sparsely populated areas and the significant shortage of speech therapists in the region. The project combines investment in advanced technologies and the development of methods based on these technologies. The project invests in virtual reality technology, 360° imaging technology, and motion detection-based methods, which enable the development of objective and partly location-independent therapy methods.

In the investment project, the concrete measures of the project include technology investments and their implementation. The project will acquire and install virtual reality equipment and 360° camera technology, apply motion detection systems, and train staff local partners. In addition, the in the development project, novel therapy methods and content will be developed as an essential part of the project. This includes creating natural-like therapy environments and developing assessment methods based on advanced technology. Furthermore, the project integrates brain research and behavioral research methods. The project collaborates with regional businesses and healthcare organizations and forms multidisciplinary expert teams for content development. Additionally, the project implements testing and deployment of methods. This includes pilot testing with target groups, collecting user experience data, further development of methods, and developing an implementation model for speech therapy operators.

As a result of the project, a modern operating model based on advanced technology will be created, supporting high-quality speech therapy and its research, as well as concrete digital tools for speech therapy that can improve service availability in sparsely populated areas. The project is coordinated by the University of Eastern Finland in close collaboration with public and private speech therapy operators, healthcare organizations, and regional companies. The technology solutions will be integrated into the research infrastructure, which serves multiple disciplines, and the operating models will be shared openly, ensuring their long-term utilization after the project ends.