Early mobile app training proficiency predicts how well memory-impaired individuals learn to use digital memory aids...

Functional memory impairment following acquired brain injury can lead to decreased independence. External memory aids such as smartphones can be highly effective compensation tools, but cognitive deficits may create barriers to implementation in daily life. The present study examined predictors of real-world use of mobile calendar applications for memory compensation in an acquired brain injury sample. A retrospective chart review was completed from an outpatient rehabilitation program, extending 15 years into the past, yielding data from 34 eligible participants. All participants demonstrated skill learning of the calendar function in their digital device and subsequently completed the generalization phase of training, which is focused on real-world implementation (measured through prospective memory tasks). The results showed that the length of time required for skill learning of mobile calendars (event entry or responding to alerts) was not predictive of the duration of generalization training. Initial training performance for responding to alerts, but not event entry, was a significant predictor of the duration of generalization training needed to complete the program. A secondary analysis with a subset of the data revealed that individuals with additional executive deficits took significantly longer to complete generalization training compared to those with a more focal memory impairment.