Developing a Digital Health Intervention for Conversation Skills After Brain Injury (convers-ABI-lity) Using a...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Acquired brain injury (ABI) frequently leads to persistent communication breakdowns, impacting social and vocational reintegration.
• Communication partner training (CPT) is a vital rehabilitation strategy for individuals with ABI.
• Digital health solutions offer potential for accessible, long-term CPT, especially in remote areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To collaboratively develop a novel, multimodal web-based CPT intervention (convers-ABI-lity) with key stakeholders.
• To evaluate the feasibility of convers-ABI-lity for enhancing conversation skills post-ABI.

Main Methods:

• The study employed the IDEAS framework for digital health intervention development.
• Iterative design involved end-user feedback from individuals with ABI, family members, and professionals.
• A proof-of-concept study with 3 dyads assessed feasibility over 7 weeks using blinded ratings and self-report measures.

Main Results:

• The developed convers-ABI-lity intervention demonstrated positive changes in conversation skills based on blinded ratings.
• Statistically significant improvements were noted in self-reported social communication and quality of life.
• Participants found the intervention relevant, engaging, and beneficial.

Conclusions:

• The IDEAS framework successfully guided the development of the web-based CPT intervention, convers-ABI-lity.
• The intervention shows promising results for improving communication between individuals with ABI and their partners.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm effectiveness and efficacy.