Reducing everyday memory and planning problems by means of a paging system: a randomised control crossover study

Objectives-To evaluate a paging system designed to improve independence in people with memory problems and executive deficits. Methods-After a successful pilot study, a randomised control trial was cond ucted involving a crossover design with 143 people aged between 8 and 83 ye ars. All had one or more of the following: memory, planning, attention, or organisation problems. Most had sustained a traumatic head injury or a stro ke although a few had developmental learning difficulties or other conditio ns. The crossover design ensured that some people received a pager after a 2 week baseline whereas others were required to wait for 7 weeks after the baseline before receiving the pager. Participants were assessed at three ti me periods-namely, at baseline, 7 weeks, and at 14 weeks postbaseline. Results-More than 80% of those who completed the 16 week trial were signifi cantly more successful in carrying out everyday activities (such as self ca re, self medication, and keeping appointments) when using the pager in comp arison with the baseline period. For most of these, significant improvement was maintained when they were monitored 7 weeks after returning the pager. Conclusions-This particular paging system significantly reduces everyday fa ilures of memory and planning in people with brain injury.