The efficacy of cognitive prosthetic technology for people with memory impairments: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Jamieson, M., Cullen, B. , McGee-Lennon, M., Brewster, S. and Evans, J. J. (2014) The efficacy of cognitive prosthetic technology for people with memory impairments: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 24(3-4), pp. 419-444. (doi: 10.1080/09602011.2013.825632)

Abstract

Technology can compensate for memory impairment. The efficacy of assistive technology for people with memory difficulties and the methodology of selected studies are assessed. A systematic search was performed and all studies that investigated the impact of technology on memory performance for adults with impaired memory resulting from acquired brain injury (ABI) or a degenerative disease were included. Two 10-point scales were used to compare each study to an ideally reported single case experimental design (SCED) study (SCED scale; Tate et al., 2008) or randomised control group study (PEDro-P scale; Maher, Sherrington, Herbert, Moseley, & Elkins, 2003). Thirty-two SCED (mean = 5.9 on the SCED scale) and 11 group studies (mean = 4.45 on the PEDro-P scale) were found. Baseline and intervention performance for each participant in the SCED studies was re-calculated using non-overlap of all pairs (Parker & Vannest, 2009) giving a mean score of 0.85 on a 0 to 1 scale (17 studies, n = 36). A meta-analysis of the efficacy of technology vs. control in seven group studies gave a large effect size (d = 1.27) (n = 147). It was concluded that prosthetic technology can improve performance on everyday tasks requiring memory. There is a specific need for investigations of technology for people with degenerative diseases.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Special Issue: Single-case Experimental Design Methodology
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McGee-Lennon, Dr Marilyn and Evans, Professor Jonathan and Cullen, Dr Breda and Brewster, Professor Stephen
• Authors: Jamieson, M., Cullen, B., McGee-Lennon, M., Brewster, S., and Evans, J. J.
• Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care; College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
• Journal Name: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
• Publisher: Psychology Press
• ISSN: 0960-2011
• ISSN (Online): 1464-0694