The use of standard calendar software by individuals with acquired brain injury and cognitive complaints: a mixed methods study

PURPOSE: To explore the actual use of standard calendar software by people with acquired brain injury (ABI) and healthy individuals. METHOD: Mixed methods design with qualitative and quantitative analyses of the respondents' use of calendar software. Fifteen individuals with ABI and 15 healthy participants were enrolled. Participants were asked to execute five consecutive tasks using standard calendar software, which resembled everyday use of an electronic calendar. RESULTS: The core processes "task execution" and "information processing" were influenced by internal factors (cognitive and emotional processes and fatigue) as well as environmental factors (software features and distractions). Results obtained by qualitative and quantitative methods showed similar reaction patterns in both groups. However, ABI patients had more cognitive problems and showed stronger emotions during task performance than healthy participants. Healthy participants were more successful and needed less time and mental effort to perform a task. CONCLUSIONS: Although ABI patients were able to use standard calendar software, they became upset more easily, needed more effort, became tired sooner and more suddenly. Strategies to support ABI patients in the use of calendar software are suggested from multi-disciplinary perspectives

Effects of computer training and Internet usage on the well-being and quality of life of older adults: A randomized, controlled study

The quality of life of older adults may be improved by the use of computer or Web-based services. A limited number of experimental studies on this topic have shown mixed results. We carried out a randomized, controlled intervention study that aimed to examine the causal relationship between computer use and measures of physical well-being, social well-being, emotional well-being, development and activity, and autonomy. We randomly assigned a group of 191 participants to an intervention group, a training–no intervention group, or a no training– no intervention group. A fourth group consisted of 45 participants with no interest in computer use. We collected data at baseline, after 4 months, and after 12 months. The results showed that using computers and the Internet neither positively nor negatively influenced everyday functioning, well-being and mood, and the social network of healthy older individuals. We discuss possibilities for future studies. Key Words: Computer use—Internet—Well-being. INDEPENDENT functioning in Western society is increas-ingly difficult without information technology (IT) skills

Outcomes of the PET@homeToolkit Process Evaluation Study

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Developing a Research Agenda on Nature-Based and Animal-Assisted Intervention Strategies (NATAIS) in People With Neurodegenerative Diseases With a Specific Focus on Social Isolation and Loneliness

Introduction. Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are very prevalent in people with neurodegenerative diseases and are associated with a lower quality of life and other negative outcomes. These problems were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in initiatives to address social isolation. Given the potential benefits of nature-based and animal-assisted intervention strategies (NATAIS), it is crucial to further investigate if and how these might minimize negative effects of social isolation and feelings of loneliness in this population. Therefore, the aim was to develop a research agenda for NATAIS in people with neurodegenerative diseases, especially during challenging times, such as pandemics.Methodology. To facilitate the development of the research agenda, a group concept mapping procedure was conducted. In total, 19 work group members participated through a combination of in-person and online group meetings. Additionally, face-to-face group sessions were held at two conferences, during which feedback was solicited from 12 experts in the field of NATAIS and psychogeriatrics.Main Results. The group concept mapping procedure resulted in 14 clusters describing various future research topics, which were refined and detailed during group discussions. The remaining eleven clusters, encompassing important research themes within the field of NATAIS, were organized into a logic model and summarized into the research agenda. The overarching cluster ‘Ethical issues, possible risk factors, and their solutions’ were considered the most relevant during times of increased social isolation, such as during a pandemic, along with the necessity for ‘more accessible NATAIS’. Principal conclusions and implications for the field: This project resulted in a research agenda, directing future research and fostering collaboration between practitioners and researchers in the field of NATAIS. Such an enhanced partnership between science and practice has the potential to significantly contribute to the well-being of people with neurodegenerative diseases, in their daily lives and also during pandemics