title: Portable electronic devices as memory and organizational aids after traumatic brain injury: a consumer survey study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To ascertain consumer experiences and attitudes regarding the use of portable electronic devices as memory and organizational aids after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Survey study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Post-acute TBI rehabilitation programs, research registries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty persons with moderate to severe TBI interviewed a median of 3.7 years postinjury.
  
  
  METHODS
  Survey administered in structured interview format, analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two thirds of participants reported regular use of computers, but fewer than one third had experience with hand-held computers or similar devices. Interest in using portable devices for everyday memory and organizational tasks was higher than the expressed need for improvement in participants' current strategies. Respondents expressed reliable preferences for key device features, including simplicity of use, technical support, and long-lasting battery power. Preferred functions included keeping track of money spent, remembering things to do, and remembering what other people say.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Portable electronic devices are acceptable or desirable by consumers with moderate to severe TBI for use as compensatory aids.
authors.affiliation: Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, 1200 W. Tabor Road, Korman Suite 213, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA. thart@einstein.edu
authors.forename: Tessa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Buchhofer
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vaccaro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004581:Electronics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis