Article

PURPOSE: To explore the actual use of standard calendar software by people with
acquired brain injury (ABI) and healthy individuals. METHOD: Mixed methods design
with qualitative and quantitative analyses of the respondents' use of calendar
software. Fifteen individuals with ABI and 15 healthy participants were enrolled.
Participants were asked to execute five consecutive tasks using standard calendar
software, which resembled everyday use of an electronic calendar. RESULTS: The
core processes "task execution" and "information processing" were influenced by
internal factors (cognitive and emotional processes and fatigue) as well as
environmental factors (software features and distractions). Results obtained by
qualitative and quantitative methods showed similar reaction patterns in both
groups. However, ABI patients had more cognitive problems and showed stronger
emotions during task performance than healthy participants. Healthy participants
were more successful and needed less time and mental effort to perform a task.
CONCLUSIONS: Although ABI patients were able to use standard calendar software,
they became upset more easily, needed more effort, became tired sooner and more
suddenly. Strategies to support ABI patients in the use of calendar software are
suggested from multi-disciplinary perspectives.

Langue : ANGLAIS