User-Intuitive Continuous Control of a Smart Wheelchair- questionnaire
Research type
Research Study
Full title
User-Intuitive Continuous Control of a Smart Wheelchair- patient questionnaire
IRAS ID
310271
Contact name
Andrei Agius Anastasi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Univerisity of Malta
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study aims to capture patient’s perspective related to the use of brain-compute interface controlled wheelchairs. Tetraplegic patients undergoing rehab at Stoke Mandeville Hospital will be invited to be interviewed using a brief questionnaire. Results will guide the team of engineers at the University of Malta in designing a user-intuitive BCI system.
The interviewer first introduces the concept of EEG-based BCIs using a photograph and a short video of a BCI-controlled wheelchair. Participants are encouraged to express their views on the video and are then asked questions about what they would expect from a BCI-controlled wheelchair system, and whether they would use such a device. Interviews would be limited to approximately 10-15 minutes.
This interview would improve our understanding of the functionality potential end-users a BCI-controlled wheelchair might expect. It also enables us to better understand their perceptions towards the concept of a BCI-controlled wheelchair. The interview will also inform us of positive and challenging experiences interviewees have experienced when using motorized wheelchairs and other assistive technologies.
All data recorded in interviews will be anonymised on recording. It will then be analysed to identify overarching themes.
The low uptake of BCI technologies has been linked to a gap in researchers’ knowledge of end-users’ needs and expectations, thus the information gathered in this study is expected to be impactful. Furthermore, once the results are disseminated, they could potentially be used in the design process of other projects within the BCI research community.REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SW/0064
Date of REC Opinion
7 Apr 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion