Brain-In-Hand technology for adults with acquired brain injury: A convergence of mixed methods findings

Kettlewell, Jade; Ward, Asha; das Nair, Roshan; Radford, Kate

Abstract

Introduction
Individuals with acquired brain injury may find it difficult to self-manage and live independently. Brain-in-Hand is a smartphone app designed to support psychological problems and encourage behaviour change, comprised of a structured diary, reminders, agreed solutions, and traffic light monitoring system.

Aim
To evaluate the potential use and effectiveness of Brain-in-Hand for self-management in adults with acquired brain injury.

Methods
A-B mixed-methods case-study design. Individuals with acquired brain injury (n = 10) received Brain-in-Hand for up to 12 months. Measures of mood, independence, quality of life, cognition, fatigue, goal attainment, participation administered at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Semi-structured interviews conducted with acquired brain injury participants (n = 9) and healthcare workers (n = 3) at 6 months.

Results
Significant increase in goal attainment after 6 months use (t(7) = 4.20, p = .004). No significant improvement in other outcomes. Qualitative data suggested improvement in anxiety management. Contextual (personal/environmental) factors were key in influencing the use and effectiveness of Brain-in-Hand. Having sufficient insight, appropriate support and motivation facilitated use.

Conclusions
Brain-in-Hand shows potential to support acquired brain injury, but further work is required to determine its effectiveness. Context played a pivotal role in the effectiveness and sustained use of Brain-in-Hand, and needs to be explored to support implementation.

Citation

Kettlewell, J., Ward, A., das Nair, R., & Radford, K. (2022). Brain-In-Hand technology for adults with acquired brain injury: A convergence of mixed methods findings. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 9, https://doi.org/10.1177/20556683221117759

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 15, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Sep 8, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Deposit Date: Apr 7, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 8, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering
• Electronic ISSN: 2055-6683
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 9
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/20556683221117759
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/10920256
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20556683221117759