Electronic assistive technology used by people with acquired brain injury in shared supported accommodation: Implications for occupational therapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Jamwal ◽  
Libby Callaway ◽  
Jane Ackerl ◽  
Louise Farnworth ◽  
Di Winkler
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Supported Accommodation ◽  
Severe Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
The Impact

Introduction People with severe acquired brain injury often require lifetime support, sometimes received from paid workers if living in shared supported accommodation. Electronic assistive technology may offer a less intrusive method of support that can enable autonomous participation and deliver cost savings. However, research on rates, barriers, and facilitators of electronic assistive technology uptake is lacking. This study aimed to identify electronic assistive technology types used by people with acquired brain injury living in shared supported accommodation, assess user satisfaction and psychosocial impact of electronic assistive technology, detail the impact of technology use on respondents’ participation and support needs, and describe barriers and/or facilitators to electronic assistive technology uptake and ongoing use. Method Participants were identified electronic assistive technology users with acquired brain injury living in shared supported accommodation in Australia ( N = 22). Mixed methods data were collected using semi-structured interviews and published measures of support need, electronic assistive technology satisfaction, and psychosocial impact. Results Participants reported satisfaction with the devices they used, and positive psychosocial outcomes. Areas impacted by electronic assistive technology, key facilitators and barriers to electronic assistive technology use, and implications for occupational therapists working to deliver electronic assistive technology solutions were identified. Conclusion Electronic assistive technology use by this group can positively influence both everyday functioning and participation. Skilled prescription and ongoing support services are necessary to maximise uptake and use.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study of the Psychosocial Impact of Low-Cost Assistive Technology for Sexual Functioning in People with Acquired Brain Injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3765
Author(s):  
Estíbaliz Jiménez ◽  
Feliciano Ordóñez
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Plissit Model

People with acquired brain injury (ABI) face limitations when performing activities of daily living, including sexuality. Despite the common use among this group of assistive technology to compensate for or neutralize the limitations deriving from their condition, there is very little literature on outcome measures in assistive technology for sexual functioning. The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of the use of low-cost assistive technology in people with ABI. The sample was made up of 18 users: 15 men and 3 women diagnosed with ABI. The PLISSIT model was used, as well as the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale—PIADS as an assessment tool. Three types of low-cost assistive technology were developed: seat cushions, bed equipment, and back supports. All three types of AT obtained positive scores on the PIADS total scale and its three subscales: competence, adaptability, and self-esteem. Although the results of this study are positive, more research into outcome measures for products to improve sexual functioning in people with ABI is required.

Acquired Brain Injury (Stroke and TBI) in Later Life

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan S. Barker ◽  
Emily C. Gibson ◽  
Gail A. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Injury Severity ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Changes ◽  
The Impact

The term “acquired brain injury” refers to any type of brain damage that occurs after birth. Two main types of acquired brain injury are stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). A stroke occurs when there is a blockage or bleed in the vascular system of the brain, while a TBI results from an external force to the head. Older adults are at a higher risk of both stroke and TBI; thus, overall incidence is increasing as the proportion of older adults in the population is growing. Stroke and TBI result in immediate and long-term cognitive changes. Impairments in the domains of language, attention, memory, executive functions, perception, and social cognition have been documented following stroke and TBI. However, strokes tend to cause focal or selective cognitive disorders, while cognitive deficits following TBI are widespread and can be generalized. Individuals who have suffered a stroke or TBI may also experience psychosocial changes; for example, symptoms of depression and anxiety are common. Functional outcomes, including independence in activities, are varied and are associated with a range of factors including age, injury severity, cognitive disorders, and psychosocial factors. To achieve optimal outcomes for individuals following stroke and TBI, and to reduce the impact of the injury on everyday functioning, a multidisciplinary rehabilitation process is recommended.

Training-the-Trainer on Assistive Technology for Cognition (ATC): Current Practices

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Ehlhardt Powell ◽  
Tracey Wallace ◽  
Michelle ranae Wild
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Train The Trainer ◽  
Rehabilitation Professionals ◽  
Remote Locations ◽  
Training Package ◽  
And Training

Research shows that if clinicians are to deliver effective, evidence-based assistive technology for cognition (ATC) services to clients with acquired brain injury (ABI), they first need opportunities to gain knowledge and experience with ATC assessment and training practices (O'Neil-Pirozzi, Kendrick, Goldstein, & Glenn, 2004). This article describes three examples of train the trainer materials and programs to address this need: (a) a toolkit for trainers to learn more about assessing and training ATC; (b) a comprehensive, trans-disciplinary program for training staff to provide ATC services in a metropolitan area; and (c) an overview of an on-site/online training package for rehabilitation professionals working with individuals with ABI in remote locations.

Clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with severe acquired brain injury and a disorder of consciousness: an observational study

Brain Injury ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 520-529
Author(s):  
Antonio Caronni ◽  
Emanuele Liaci ◽  
Anna Bianchi ◽  
Alessandro Viganò ◽  
Francesco Marenco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Disorder Of Consciousness ◽  
Severe Acquired Brain Injury

scholarly journals Publisher Correction to: BRAINSTORMING: A study protocol for a randomised double-blind clinical trial to assess the impact of concurrent brain stimulation (tDCS) and working memory training on cognitive performance in Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Assecondi ◽  
Rong Hu ◽  
Gail Eskes ◽  
Michelle Read ◽  
Chris Griffiths ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Working Memory Training ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
The Impact

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors flagged that the article had published with the Acknowledgements erroneously excluded from the declarations at the end of the article.

scholarly journals Changes in Caregivers Lifestyle after Severe Acquired Brain Injury: A Preliminary Investigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D’Ippolito ◽  
M. Aloisi ◽  
E. Azicnuda ◽  
D. Silvestro ◽  
M. Giustini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Primary Caregivers ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Severe Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Additional Support

Introduction. Severe acquired brain injury (sABI) is considered the most common cause of death and disability worldwide. sABI patients are supported by their caregivers who often exhibit high rates of psychological distress, mood disorders, and changes in relationship dynamics and family roles.Objectives. To explore lifestyle changes of caregivers of sABI patients during the postacute rehabilitation, by investigating possible differences between primary and secondary caregivers. Primary caregivers spend most of the time with the patient, providing daily care and taking most responsibility for the day-to-day decisions, while secondary caregivers are those who provide additional support.Methods. Three hundred forty-seven caregivers of sABI patients were asked to fill in an unpublished self-report questionnaire to explore their possible lifestyles changes.Results. A statistically significant difference was found between primary and secondary caregivers in time spent in informal caregiving (p<0.001). The primary caregivers reduced all leisure activities compared to secondary carers (p<0.05).Conclusions. By comparing the percentage of leisure activities performed by caregiversbeforeandafterthe patient’s sABI onset, all caregivers showed high percentages of changes in lifestyle and habits, even though primary caregivers reported more negative lifestyle changes than secondary caregivers. Further studies are needed to investigate needs and burden experienced by caregivers of sABI patients during the postacute rehabilitation phase, also in relation to the patients’ outcome, to address support interventions for them and improve their quality of life.

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