Effectiveness of an electronic cognitive aid in patients with acquired brain injury: A multicentre randomised parallel-group study

Abstract

The objective of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a customised personal digital assistant (PDA) as a cognitive aid for people with acquired brain injury, using a randomised parallel-group study. The participants were 34 patients with acquired brain injury in a cognitive rehabilitation setting. The experimental group used a customised PDA, while the control group received care-as-usual (paper-and-pencil aids). Measurements were conducted at baseline (T0), after 8 hours of training (T1), after 16 hours of training (T2), and at 5-month follow-up (T3). The main outcome was the attainment of individualised goals. Both groups showed a significant increase in goal attainment (GAS) (p < .001). There were no significant differences between the groups at T1 or T2 on any of the other outcome measures. It was concluded that the customised PDA was as effective as paper-and-pencil aids, and may therefore serve as a useful alternative when choosing the optimal rehabilitation strategy for a patient.

Keywords:

• Assistive technology
• Personal digital assistant
• Acquired brain injury
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Randomised controlled trial

Acknowledgement

This project was supported by a grant from The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMW) The Hague, The Netherlands. Registered as trial ID NTR1219 in the Netherlands National Trial Register, part of the Dutch Cochrane Centre, as well as in the Register of Controlled Trials (mRCT) of Current Controlled Trials Ltd.

 We would like to thank the staff of the participating rehabilitation centres: Rehabilitation Medical Centre Groot Klimmendaal, Arnhem; Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen; Pro Persona Mental Health Care, Wolfheze Adelante, Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Hoensbroek Rehabilitation Centre Tolbrug, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch; Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre, Enschede; Rehabilitation Centre Heliomare, Wijk aan Zee. Furthermore, we are most grateful to the developers of PEAT, Richard Levinson and Dave Halper, for their support during the study.