Background:The uptake of smartphones as external compensatory memory aids following an acquired brain injury (ABI) in rehabilitation settings is low. Potential reasons for this include professionals not having evidence-based guidelines regarding the best methods to train smartphone use and prospective users not being familiar with technology and/or having memory and learning difficulties. This paper describes the protocol of a study that aims to compare the efficacy of three training methods (Systematic Instruction, Error-based Learning and Trial-and-Error) for training the use of a smartphone reminder app, in people with ABI presenting with memory complaints.Methods/Design:This is a three-armed, assessor-blinded, Phase II randomised controlled trial. The estimated sample size is 51 participants aged >18 years, who are equally randomised to one of the three training groups. They are seen across four sessions: one to conduct baseline measures; one for training the use of an app and two for follow-up assessments (1- and 6-weeks post-training). The main outcome measure is proficiency of performance in tasks with the trained app. Secondary outcomes include generalisation of skills to other apps, number of errors committed while attempting the tasks, frequency of smartphone usage in general and as a memory aid and confidence in smartphone use and memory self-efficacy. Outcome measures are collected by an independent blinded assessor. Proficiency of performance, generalisation of skills and error commission are measured immediately post-training and at the two follow-up sessions. The other secondary measures are taken pre-intervention and at the two follow-up sessions.Discussion:This study will provide initial evidence regarding the efficacy of three different methods to train ABI survivors with memory difficulties in how to use smartphone apps as compensatory memory aids. The results could inform a larger Phase III trial and advance knowledge concerning the advantages or disadvantages of using error-reducing and trial-and-error techniques. Further, the findings could determine the potential of error-based learning as an emerging training method for people with memory impairment within rehabilitation.

中文翻译：

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系统指导、基于错误的学习和反复试验在获得性脑损伤后训练智能手机记忆应用程序使用的比较：三臂 II 期随机对照试验研究方案

背景：在康复环境中，在获得性脑损伤 (ABI) 后，智能手机作为外部补偿记忆辅助工具的使用率很低。造成这种情况的潜在原因包括专业人士没有关于培训智能手机使用的最佳方法的循证指南，以及潜在用户不熟悉技术和/或有记忆和学习困难。本文描述了一项研究的协议，该协议旨在比较三种训练方法（系统教学、基于错误的学习和试错法）在训练智能手机提醒应用程序的使用方面的效果，在具有记忆力的 ABI 患者中投诉。方法/设计：这是一项三臂、评估者盲、II 期随机对照试验。估计样本量为 51 名年龄 >18 岁的参与者，他们同样随机分配到三个训练组之一。它们在四个会话中被看到：一个是进行基线测量；一个用于培训应用程序的使用，两个用于后续评估（培训后 1 周和 6 周）。主要结果衡量标准是使用经过训练的应用程序完成任务的熟练程度。次要结果包括将技能推广到其他应用程序、尝试执行任务时犯的错误数量、智能手机的总体使用频率以及作为记忆辅助以及对智能手机使用和记忆自我效能的信心。结果测量由独立的盲法评估员收集。在培训后和两个后续会议上立即测量性能熟练程度、技能概括和错误佣金。其他次要措施是在干预前和两次后续会议上采取的。讨论：本研究将提供初步证据，证明三种不同方法的有效性，以训练有记忆困难的 ABI 幸存者如何使用智能手机应用程序作为补偿记忆辅助工具. 结果可以为更大的 III 期试验提供信息，并提前了解使用减少错误和试错技术的优缺点。此外，研究结果可以确定基于错误的学习作为一种新兴培训方法的潜力，用于康复中的记忆障碍患者。结果可以为更大的 III 期试验提供信息，并提前了解使用减少错误和试错技术的优点或缺点。此外，这些发现可以确定基于错误的学习作为一种新兴培训方法的潜力，用于康复中的记忆障碍患者。结果可以为更大的 III 期试验提供信息，并提前了解使用减少错误和试错技术的优缺点。此外，研究结果可以确定基于错误的学习作为一种新兴培训方法的潜力，用于康复中的记忆障碍患者。