Abstract for presentation at 6th World Congress on Brain Injury

Objective
External aids are generally reported as more useful than internal aids for those who experience memory difficulty after TBI. Electronic aids such as NeuropageŽ and palm-held electronic devices have received considerable scientific support. However there has been limited evaluation as to the extent to which cell/mobile phones are used by those experiencing memory difficulties and little research on their efficacy as compensatory devices for memory impairment. This may be partly due to an imbalance between the rate at which cell phone technology is developing compared to the time it takes to conduct and publish scientific research.
Method
This paper will present the results of a survey running between June-November 2004 of cell phone ownership, use, and perceived efficacy by people with memory difficulty predominantly due TBI will be reported.
Results & Conclusions
Preliminary results (after 3 months) from 153 participants revealed that fewer participants (46%) own a cell phone than the average for those aged between 14-69 years (61.5%). Of cell phones owned by participants in the current study, 23% had built in a camera facility and 75% texting capability. In line with an earlier study, (Evans, Wilson, Needham, & Brentnall, 2003), results so far suggest that participants tend not to use cell phones specifically to compensate for memory or organisational difficulties although some innovative examples were revealed. The results of the overall study will be presented with some suggestions for maximising the potential of cell phones in memory rehabilitation, and minimising the risks.