An Internet training intervention for people with traumatic brain injury: barriers and outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To test whether people with cognitive-linguistic impairments following traumatic brain injury could learn to use the Internet using specialized training materials.


METHODS
Pre-post test design.


METHODS
Seven participants were each matched with a volunteer tutor. Basic Internet skills were taught over six lessons using a tutor's manual and a student manual. Instructions used simple text and graphics based on Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5. Students underwent Internet skills assessments and interviews pre- and post-training. Tutors completed a post-training questionnaire.


RESULTS
Six of seven participants reached moderate-to-high degrees of independence. Literacy impairment was an expected training barrier; however, cognitive impairments affecting concentration, memory and motivation were more significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that people with cognitive-linguistic impairments can learn Internet skills using specialized training materials. Participants and their carers also reported positive outcomes beyond the acquisition of Internet skills.
Egan
J
J
The University of Queensland, Australia.
Worrall
L
L
Oxenham
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires