Pager system helps reduce routine memory problems after brain injuryMarch 13, 2001A simple paging system (Neuropage) can reduce the consequences of routine memory loss in people who have sustained major head injury or stroke, finds research in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. The system involves a series of microcomputers linked to a conventional computer, and, by modem, to a paging company. Each user carries a pager clipped to a waistband or in a pocket. Reminders for each individual are entered into the computer and transmitted to the individual pager at the appropriate time and date. The pager beeps or vibrates to alert the user that a message has arrived. A trial of 143 people aged between 8 and 83 was carried out using the pager system. All the participants had memory, attention, or organisational problems which made routine tasks and independent living difficult. Most had sustained a brain injury or stroke. Many had been referred because all other attempts to help them had failed. The experiment lasted 16 weeks, during which their progress was assessed three times. Almost 85 per cent of the participants made significant progress, and were able to carry out routine activities, such as self care, taking medicines, and keeping appointments. One patient managed to start using public transport again without the need to be accompanied by a carer. Less than half had been able to manage these tasks before they used the pager. Of the 74 patients monitored seven weeks after returning their pager, almost three quarters had sustained the progress they had made, which suggests that this is long enough for a significant number to establish new routines, or build on those already in place, say the authors. They conclude that the system provides the consistent and reliable prompting that no family or carer can provide. Because only the messages asked for are sent, patients don’t view it as a nag. And the pager relieves some of the burden on carers while giving back vital independence to patients, say the authors. British Medical Journal (BMJ) |
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