Brain-in-Hand (BiH) Technology For Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
AMbihTION - Acquired Brain Injury Management Using Brain-in-Hand Technology to Improve Functional Outcomes and Independence
IRAS ID
197646
Contact name
Jade Kettlewell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a term used to describe conditions resulting from damage to the brain, either traumatic (e.g. accidents) or non-traumatic (e.g. stroke). ABI is a complex phenomenon faced by healthcare professionals (HCPs) as it manifests in many ways. Symptoms include cognitive, emotional and behavioural problems that limit independence and restrict participation.
The main issue with ABI rehabilitation is providing long-term individualised care for varying symptoms. Many assistive technologies exist to support rehabilitation, however there is limited technology available to help people self-manage, look after themselves and become more independent after ABI. Multiple studies have demonstrated the value of reminder systems such as Neuropage and Google calendar to improve task completion and memory. However, there is limited research supporting the use of smartphones to help people look after themselves and prompt them to do tasks.
A new assistive technology called ‘Brain in Hand’ (BiH) has been developed for autism and is currently being implemented in various settings. BiH is web-based software that synchronises with a smartphone app. Users can create an individually tailored, solution-based diary. Problems following ABI vary greatly and are highly individualised, thus finding a specific individually tailored long-term solution for this population can be challenging. Research to explore the use of BiH following ABI is needed because technology available to support patient rehabilitation and independence is limited.
We will assess patient, carer and HCP perspectives and experiences of BiH. A series of 10 case studies using a single-centre design will be carried out, measuring ABI patient's function, mood, goals and quality of life at 3 time points before introducing BiH technology. These measurements at similar time points afterwards to identify any changes. We will also interview them, along with carers and HCPs involved in their care to investigate issues regarding the use of BiH.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0141
Date of REC Opinion
6 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion