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
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