A generic, 'in-house', alphanumeric paging system for prospective activity impairments after traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
For settings having suitable infrastructure, generic, 'in-house' alphanumeric paging systems can be constructed that are fully under clinician control. Development of such a system for therapeutic application is described and a single-case study presented that assessed whether the system could improve repetitive, prospective use of a daily planner.


METHODS
ABA' single case.


METHODS
The participant was male, in his mid-30s, having cognitive impairments subsequent to recent TBI superimposed on remote neurological changes. The pager reminded him to record therapeutic information in a daily planner, for discussion with a family member each evening.


RESULTS
During intervention (B) trials, reliable memory log usage was noted. By trial five of return-to-baseline (A') trials, there was decreased memory log use.


CONCLUSIONS
Alphanumeric paging facilitated reliable use of a memory log compensation technique. The 'in-house' paging system proved particularly suitable for intervention development. Limits of the study are discussed and other therapeutically useful wireless technologies are noted.
Kirsch
Ned L
NL
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA. nlkirsch@umich.edu
Shenton
Michelle
M
Rowan
James
J
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012656:Self-Help Devices