Family and Professional Responses to BCIT Use
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Brain Computer Interface Technology Use Involving People with Disorders of Consciousness or Locked-in Syndrome: The Lived Experience of Families and the Impact of Person Centred Practice by the Interdisciplinary Team.
IRAS ID
272691
Contact name
Donna Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 2 months, 0 days
Research summary
A diagnosis of disorder of consciousness or locked-in syndrome has significant impact on the family; family members must not only come to terms with the diagnosis but also the realisation that their family member may require long term care. Despite the diagnosis, family members still have high hopes that they will eventually regain the ability to communicate with their relative. A brain computer interface (BCI) allows people to communicate without movement. BCI technology bypasses the communication pathways that usually uses nerves and muscles and may allow the user to communicate without movement, providing an alternative means of communication for those with physical impairment. By providing individuals with this alternative way of communicating it could have a significant impact on their quality of life, it may enable them to actively participate in decision-making regarding their care and may also provide a platform for them to communicate with their relatives. The purpose of this study is specifically to look at the human element of BCI technology i.e the lived of experience of the use of such technology for both the family and those involved in the person's care namely the interdisciplinary team.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/YH/0173
Date of REC Opinion
23 Aug 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion