The Characteristics of Perceived Difficulties in Everyday Technology Use among Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury Compared to That among Controls

Abstract

Objectives: People with acquired brain injury (ABI) have various difficulties when using everyday technology (ET) in their daily life. The aim of this study was to reveal the characteristics of perceived difficulties of people with ABI when using ET through a comparison with the control group. Method: We recruited participants in the Kansai area and Okayama prefecture between 2010 and 2015. A total of 24 participants (18 males and 6 females; aged 20 to 62 years; mean age: 42.6 ± 13.3 years) with ABI and 26 healthy controls were interviewed about their perceived difficulties using ET via the Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire revised Japanese version (ETUQ-Japan). Results: Compared to the controls, the mean number of ETs used by people with ABI was significantly lower. When various difficulties arose, they were unable to independently manage ET, requiring the assistance of caregivers. Conclusion: It is necessary for the medical staff, involved in the home life of patients with ABI to consider the patient’s perceived difficulties when using ET.