LCSH

People with disabilities in technology; Brain damage--Patients--Rehabilitation; Personalized medicine; Tablet computers; Smartphones

Abstract

Everyday technology (ET), which includes devices such as smartphones and tablets, is dynamic, complex, and interactive and may be difficult for an adult with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) to use due to cognitive deficits, including executive dysfunction. Executive dysfunction leads to difficulty with higher level thinking, including planning, organizing, and problem solving, skills which are used in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), work, leisure, and social participation. The purpose of this study was to examine how occupational therapists use ET in assessment and treatment of adults with TBI to regain or increase independence in IADL, work, leisure, and social participation. The researchers used a qualitative descriptive approach using semi-structured interviews with two occupational therapists who use ET with adults with TBI. Three themes emerged after reviewing the data: (1) Fit Between Person, Task, and ET, (2) Making it Work, and (3) Barriers to ET. Occupational therapists can use a holistic perspective and activity analysis in order to utilize ET as occupation-as-means or as occupation-as-ends to increase occupational performance for adults with TBI.

First Advisor

Tatiana Kaminsky, PhD, OTR/L

Date of Completion

Spring 2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Format

PDF

URI

http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ms_occ_therapy/96

Language

English

Degree Name

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)

Date of Award

5-2014

Department

Occupational Therapy

Institution

University of Puget Sound

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