A generic, 'in-house', alphanumeric paging system for prospective activity impairments after traumatic brain injury

Brain Inj. 2004 Jul;18(7):725-34. doi: 10.1080/02699050310001646161.

Abstract

Objective: For settings having suitable infrastructure, generic, 'in-house' alphanumeric paging systems can be constructed that are fully under clinician control. Development of such a system for therapeutic application is described and a single-case study presented that assessed whether the system could improve repetitive, prospective use of a daily planner.

Design: ABA' single case.

Methods: The participant was male, in his mid-30s, having cognitive impairments subsequent to recent TBI superimposed on remote neurological changes. The pager reminded him to record therapeutic information in a daily planner, for discussion with a family member each evening.

Results: During intervention (B) trials, reliable memory log usage was noted. By trial five of return-to-baseline (A') trials, there was decreased memory log use.

Conclusions: Alphanumeric paging facilitated reliable use of a memory log compensation technique. The 'in-house' paging system proved particularly suitable for intervention development. Limits of the study are discussed and other therapeutically useful wireless technologies are noted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Injuries / complications
  • Brain Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Self-Help Devices*