Original Title: Dispositivos generadores de voz con la mirada

Authors' recommendations: Low-quality evidence suggests that eye-controlled speech-generating devices used by people with complex motor or speech disabilities, may yield a significant net benefit, since improvement has been observed in many aspects of communication when measured with specific scales. Most studies reported a high rate of acceptance of this technology, with no adverse effects. No studies assessing impact on quality of life with the use of eye-controlled speechgenerating devices or operated by other means when compared to not using them have been found in patients with complex motor and/or speech disabilities. The clinical practice guidelines analyzed suggest that alternative and augmentative communication, including eye-controlled speech-generating devices, is necessary in patients with language and speech disabilities. In the high-income countries surveyed, the United States and the United Kingdom mention eye-controlled speech generating devices in their coverage policies for the assessed indications. Among the countries in the region, Brazil does not recommend its use because there is lack of evidence, whereas the rest of the Latin-American countries do not mention the device in their coverage policies. These devices are not specifically mentioned in the Mandatory Medical Program, and reimbursement is not possible through the Unique Reimbursement System of the Superintendence of Health Services, or specifically mentioned in the Argentine Disability Act (Law 24,901). No regional or international economic studies have been found assessing the costeffectiveness of these devices; therefore their budget impact is uncertain.Low-quality evidence suggests that eye-controlled speech-generating devices used by people with complex motor or speech disabilities, may yield a significant net benefit, since improvement has been observed in many aspects of communication when measured with specific scales. Most studies reported a high rate of acceptance of this technology, with no adverse effects. No studies assessing impact on quality of life with the use of eye-controlled speechgenerating devices or operated by other means when compared to not using them have been found in patients with complex motor and/or speech disabilities. The clinical practice guidelines analyzed suggest that alternative and augmentative communication, including eye-controlled speech-generating devices, is necessary in patients with language and speech disabilities. In the high-income countries surveyed, the United States and the United Kingdom mention eye-controlled speech generating devices in their coverage policies for the assessed indications. Among the countries in the region, Brazil does not recommend its use because there is lack of evidence, whereas the rest of the Latin-American countries do not mention the device in their coverage policies. These devices are not specifically mentioned in the Mandatory Medical Program, and reimbursement is not possible through the Unique Reimbursement System of the Superintendence of Health Services, or specifically mentioned in the Argentine Disability Act (Law 24,901). No regional or international economic studies have been found assessing the costeffectiveness of these devices; therefore their budget impact is uncertain.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2022

URL for published report: https://www.iecs.org.ar/publicacion/?id=22854

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)