Google Calendar and memory after stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparing Google Calendar with a standard diary to assist memory following stroke; a case series
IRAS ID
159427
Contact name
David Punt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Stroke is the leading cause of chronic disability and affects both physical and mental functions. Memory problems may result from stroke and can be very disabling, preventing the affected individual from carrying out normal activities, resulting in a reduced quality of life.
In rehabilitation, interventions to assist individuals with memory problems are few. Encouraging and advising on the use of a paper diary is the most common approach adopted by therapists to help patients manage this issue. However, external aids, such as Google Calendar (an internet-based tool that sends reminders to users via their mobile phones) may provide more optimal assistance and an initial study has shown promising results.
The present study will aim to compare the effectiveness of Google Calendar against a standard paper diary in a small number (n=6) of stroke patients with a memory deficit. Participants will be recruited from the East Staffordshire Early Supported Discharge Community Stroke Team. They will be identified by the telephone review system that is already part of existing practice.
Once recruited to the study, participants will undergo a series of clinical measures of memory, executive function and language. Training will be given to participants and carers on the use of a standard paper based diary and Google Calendar. Following this, participants commence two phases of intervention, initially using a standard paper diary for five weeks (Phase One) and then Google Calendar for five weeks (Phase Two). A record will be kept of how many targets (agreed events in the diary/calendar) are achieved in both intervention phases and this will be monitored by family members. Finally, participants will be interviewed to assess their experience.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/1321
Date of REC Opinion
12 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion