Affiliations: [a] School of Psychology, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| [b] Centre for eHealth, Centre for Person Centred Research, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Duncan Babbage, PhD, Auckland University of Technology, Centre for eHealth, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Tel.: +64 9 921 9999/Ext. 8145; Fax: +64 9 921 9706; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Individuals living with traumatic brain injury commonly have difficulties with prospective memory—the ability to remember a planned action at the intended time. Traditionally a memory notebook has been recommended as a compensatory memory aid. Electronic devices have the advantage of providing a cue at the appropriate time to remind participants to refer to the memory aid and complete tasks. Research suggests these have potential benefit in neurorehabilitation. OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a memory notebook and specifically a smartphone as a compensatory memory aid. METHODS:A single case series design was used to assess seven participants. A no-intervention baseline was followed by training and intervention with either the smartphone alone, or a memory notebook and later the smartphone. Memory was assessed with weekly assigned memory tasks. RESULTS:Participants using a smartphone showed improvements in their ability to complete assigned memory tasks accurately and within the assigned time periods. Use of a smartphone provided additional benefits over and above those already seen for those who received a memory notebook first. CONCLUSIONS:Smartphones have the potential to be a useful and cost effective tool in neurorehabilitation practice.
