Biomedical subjects

Karen Hux

Publications and source records attributed to Karen Hux.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Improvement patterns among survivors of brain injury: three case examples documenting the effectiveness of memory compensation strategies.

Three case examples illustrate possible patterns of improved functioning that may emerge as survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) attempt compensation for persistent memory deficits impeding independent living. The task selected for report was independence in remembering to take regularly-prescribed medications. Strategies applied to promote learning included use of written reminders and use of two assistive technology (AT) devices-a wristwatch alarm (WatchMinder) and a digital voice recorder and alarm system (Voice Craft ). With participation in the intervention programme, two of the three individuals demonstrated increased independence in remembering to take medications; the third did not. The case examples illustrate varying responses of people with TBI to intervention using compensatory strategies and AT devices. Professionals and caretakers working with survivors must recognize the uniqueness of each survivor, must adjust intervention programmes accordingly and must be willing to persist in trying to increase functional independence repeatedly for many years post-injury.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Misconceptions about brain injury: a survey replication study.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The researchers sought to update information about the public's knowledge about brain injury and to document progress made toward correcting misconceptions. RESEARCH DESIGN: Survey replication. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Three hundred and eighteen respondents from the lay public answered questions about general brain injury knowledge, coma and unconsciousness, memory deficits and brain injury recovery. Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences among respondents based on age, gender, education and personal experience with brain injury or brain injury survivors. Findings were also compared with those reported by previous researchers administering similar questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Misconceptions persist regarding some brain injury sequelae. Although most respondents knew general information, large numbers reported incorrect beliefs about memory problems, coma and unconsciousness and recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the frequency with which it occurs, the general public persists in holding misconceptions about brain injury. Greater public awareness is necessary to prompt appropriate health care funding and rehabilitative service decisions.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Augmentative and alternative communication use and acceptance by adults with traumatic brain injury.

The purpose of this study was to document augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) acceptance and use patterns of 25 adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) who used either high- or low-tech AAC devices or strategies at some point during their recovery. Specifically, the purposes were to (a) document acceptance of AAC system recommendations, (b) identify AAC use patterns by persons who accepted the recommendation and for whom AAC intervention was implemented, (c) identify AAC access patterns for message formulation and encoding, and (d) document the kind of communicative functions that different AAC strategies supported. Information was gathered via a questionnaire from speech-language pathologists who provided AAC assessments and interventions at six different sites. The speech-language pathologists provided information about individuals with TBI from their clinics for whom they had recommended AAC. Results revealed that these adults generally accepted both high- and low-tech AAC recommendations and used their AAC systems for extended periods of time. Most utilized letter-by-letter message formulation strategies. When AAC technology was abandoned, it was usually a reflection of a loss of facilitator support rather than a rejection of the technology.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

AAC menu interface: effectiveness of active versus passive learning to master abbreviation-expansion codes.

This study investigated the accuracy with which 30 young adults without disabilities learned abbreviation expansion codes associated with specific vocabulary items that were stored in an AAC device with two accessing methods: mouse access and keyboard access. Both accessing methods utilized a specialized computer application, called AAC Menu, which allowed for errorless practice. Mouse access prompted passive learning, whereas keyboard access prompted active learning. Results revealed that participants who accessed words via a keyboard demonstrated significantly higher mastery of abbreviation-expansion codes than those who accessed words via a computer mouse.

Abbreviations as Topic↗

PubMed2004

Accuracy, efficiency and preferences of survivors of traumatic brain injury when using three organization strategies to retrieve words.

The primary objective was to compare the accuracy and preferences of adult survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) when using three organization strategies--semantic topic, geographic place and a word's first letter (alphabet)--to retrieve words using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology. A repeated measures research design was employed. Twelve adult survivors of TBI ranging in age from 18-50 years participated in the study. These participants retrieved words using an AAC system organized using the three experimental conditions. In addition, they rank-ordered their preferences for each of the three strategies. Results showed that adults with TBI retrieve words more accurately and more efficiently when using the alphabet organization strategy than when using the topic or place strategies. Despite this, participants expressed a preference for using the topic strategy. Explanations for the findings and implications for AAC use are provided.

Adolescent↗