Comparison of pocket-computer memory aids for people with brain injury

Two styles of pocket computer memory aid were compared as support for peopl e who had sustained non-progressive, closed-head brain injury. A purpose-de signed interface provided a diary with auditory alarms, a notebook and link s between diary entries and specific notepages. One computer had a physical keyboard, the other did not. Twelve adult volunteers were loaned each comp uter for 2 months, with a 1 month gap between, in counterbalanced order. It was found that all participants could use the memory aids, and most (83%) found them useful. Little customizing was needed, but amount of use varied widely. Predictors of usage included use of other reminding systems before joining the project, and speed in calculator addition which may reflect wor king memory. High users preferred the computer with a physical keyboard; lo w users made more entries with the palm-size computer. These data highlight the need to distinguish ability to use from willingness to use.