4.2 Article

Perceived difficulties using everyday technology after acquired brain injury: Influence on activity and participation

Journal

SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Volume 17, Issue 4, Pages 267-275

Publisher

TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.3109/11038120903265022

Keywords

Activities of daily living; brain injuries; participation; technology

Categories

Funding

  1. Swedish Inheritance Fund
  2. Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research

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Using everyday technology (ET) is a prerequisite for activities and participation at home and in the community. It is well known that persons with an acquired brain injury (ABI) can have limitations in activities of daily living but our knowledge of their difficulties using ET is not known. Thirty-six persons (27 men and 9 women, mean age 44 years, age range 26-60) with an ABI (2-10 years post injury) were interviewed, using the Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire (ETUQ), about their perceived difficulties using ET and how these difficulties influenced their everyday activities and their possibilities to participate at home and in the community. A majority (78%) of the persons reported difficulties using ET. The most common difficulties were related to the use of telecommunication and computers. Despite these difficulties, a majority still used most objects and services independently. Twenty-six participants (72%) perceived that their difficulties using ET influenced their everyday activities and their possibility to participate at home and in the community. The results indicate that rehabilitation following an ABI should consider whether clients' use of ET influences their activity and participation and adopt interventions accordingly. The results also indicate that difficulties using ET need to be considered in the design of community services to prevent societal barriers.

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