"It reminds me-ah, right, you're supposed to do it this way": patients' experiences of a voice therapy app.

AIM: To investigate, analyse, and describe patients' experiences of self-supervised training with the voice therapy app The Voice Assistant (Swedish: Rösthjälpen). METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants who completed voice therapy using the app to support continued home training. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using systematic text condensation, a qualitative inductive approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thematic analysis yielded three themes. The App as a Companion captured perceptions of the app as providing structure, flexibility, auditory guidance, and acting as a supportive supplement to therapy. To Keep/To Develop reflected the importance of maintaining the app's simplicity and core function of audio-guided voice exercises, alongside suggestions for improvements such as enabling in-app communication, recording functionality, and feedback. Repetition and Continuity highlighted the app's role in reinforcing learning, sustaining motivation, and supporting long-term self-directed practice. The app was perceived as an easy-to-use tool that facilitated users to complete and repeat voice tasks in their home environment. CONCLUSION: Overall, it was described as a helpful companion. Several app features appeared to promote self-regulation, a key factor in successful voice therapy. Results indicate that the app may reduce barriers to home practice and facilitate continual voice training.