Article

Smartphones have great potential as a convenient, multifunction tool to
support cognition and independence following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
However, there has been limited investigation of their helpful and less helpful
aspects for people with TBI. We aimed to investigate patterns of smartphone use
amongst individuals with TBI, identify potential barriers to use, and examine the
relationships between smartphone use and daily functioning. METHOD: Twenty-nine
participants with TBI and 33 non-injured participants completed the Smartphone
Survey, and measures of subjective and objective cognitive functioning, mood, and
community integration. RESULTS: Smartphone use was equally common in both groups,
and patterns of app use were similar. More participants with TBI than the
comparison group listed using their smartphone as a memory aid as its main
benefit. Difficulty in learning how to use the smartphone was identified by
participants with TBI, however only 10% had been shown how to use it by a
clinician. Those with poorer subjective cognitive function used
memory/organisational apps more frequently; and higher communication app use with
better social integration, in participants with TBI. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
suggest that smartphones have potential in improving independence following TBI,
but receiving support in using them is vital. Implications for Rehabilitation
Smartphones are accessible, acceptable, convenient devices for most individuals
with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and are perceived as a useful memory and
organizational aid as well as having multiple other helpful functions. Use of
communication apps such as text messages and social media is associated with
better social and community integration in people with TBI. Direct instruction on
how to use smartphone apps is more important for people with TBI than for
non-injured individuals. Developers of apps designed for this population should
prioritize ease of app use, large displays, and availability of technical
support, while maintaining an engaging design and interface.

Langue : ANGLAIS