AppReminders – a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial of a memory aid app for people with acquired brain injury

Jamieson, M., Mcclelland, H. , Goudie, N., McFarlane, J., Cullen, B. , Lennon, M., Brewster, S. , Stanley, B. , McConnachie, A. and Evans, J. (2023) AppReminders – a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial of a memory aid app for people with acquired brain injury. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, (doi: 10.1080/09602011.2023.2220969) (PMID:37310032) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Mobile phone reminding apps can be used by people with acquired brain injury (ABI) to compensate for memory impairments. This pilot feasibility trial aimed to establish the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial comparing reminder apps in an ABI community treatment setting. Adults with ABI and memory difficulty who completed the three-week baseline were randomized (n = 29) and allocated to Google Calendar or ApplTree app. Those who attended an intervention session (n = 21) watched a 30-minute video tutorial of the app then completed reminder setting assignments to ensure they could use the app. Guidance was given if needed from a clinician or researcher. Those who passed the app assignments (n = 19) completed a three-week follow up. Recruitment was lower than target (n = 50), retention rate was 65.5%, adherence rate was 73.7%. Qualitative feedback highlighted issues that may impact usability of reminding apps introduced within community brain injury rehabilitation. Feasibility results indicate a full trial would require 72 participants to demonstrate the minimally clinically important efficacy difference between apps, should a difference exist. Most participants (19 of 21) given an app could learn to use it with the short tutorial. Design features implemented in ApplTree have potential to improve the uptake and utility of reminding apps.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by Chief Scientist Office [TCS/18/09].
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McConnachie, Professor Alex and Stanley, Miss Bethany and Jamieson, Dr Matthew and Evans, Professor Jonathan and Cullen, Dr Breda and Mcclelland, Dr Heather and Brewster, Professor Stephen and McFarlane, Dr Jean
• Authors: Jamieson, M., Mcclelland, H., Goudie, N., McFarlane, J., Cullen, B., Lennon, M., Brewster, S., Stanley, B., McConnachie, A., and Evans, J.
• 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 > Robertson Centre; College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
• Journal Name: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0960-2011
• ISSN (Online): 1464-0694
• Published Online: 13 June 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
303012		ApplTree: Personalized digital reminding to support memory impairment after brain-injury	Jonathan Evans	Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSO)	TCS/18/09	HW - Mental Health and Wellbeing