Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Apr 26, 2023
Open Peer Review Period: Apr 26, 2023 - Jun 21, 2023
Date Accepted: Jun 5, 2023
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Assistive Technology for Executive Function Support by People with Acquired Brain Injury: Protocol for Single-Case Experimental Designs
ABSTRACT
Background:
Executive function, including prospective memory, initiating, planning, and sequencing everyday activities, is frequently impacted by acquired brain injury (ABI). Executive dysfunction necessitates use of compensatory cognitive strategies and – in more severe cases – human support over time. To compensate for executive dysfunction experienced, growing options for electronic mainstream and assistive technologies may be used by people with ABI and their supporters.
Objective:
Outline the study protocol for a series of single-case experimental designs (SCED) to evaluate the effectiveness of smart home, mobile and/or wearable technologies to reduce executive function difficulties following ABI.
Methods:
Adult participants with ABI who experience executive dysfunction and have sufficient cognitive capacity to provide informed consent will be recruited. Other key inclusion criteria are that they have substantial support needs for everyday living and reside in community dwellings. Based on the participant’s identified goal(s) and target behavior(s), a specific electronic assistive technology will be selected for application. Both identification of the target behavior(s) and selection of the assistive technology will be determined via consultation with each participant (and their key support person, if applicable). Repeated measurement of the target behavior(s) during the baseline phase will provide performance data which will be compared to the performance data collected during the intervention phase (with technology introduced). Secondary outcome measures will evaluate the impact of the intervention.
Results:
Trial results for the individual participants will be graphed and analyzed using structured visual analysis, supplemented with statistical analysis. An exploratory economic evaluation will determine the impact on formal and informal support utilization, together with quality of life, following implementation of the new technology intervention.
Conclusions:
Evaluation evidence will offer new insights into the application of various electronic assistive technologies for people who experience executive dysfunction following ABI. Further, the results will help to grow the capacity of key stakeholders to harness the potential of technology to build independence and reduce cost of care for this population. Clinical Trial: www.anzctr.org.au, Registry ACTRN12622000835741
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