Abstract
Computer-based interventions for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are a rapidly
developing treatment modality. However, the usability and acceptability of such treatments
have not been thoroughly studied. We describe the user-experience of a computerized
intervention in persons with TBI called the Work-Related Communication (WoRC) program.
Two coders used qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews to complete a thematic
content analysis along with a cost–benefit analysis. Ten participants with severe
TBI more than 1-year postinjury were interviewed. Seven participants were male, and
three were female. Their mean age was 41.6 years (standard deviation: 13.1). All had
4 years of college or less and experienced severe TBIs. A qualitative analysis of
the WoRC program usability resulted in the categories of Content (aspects of treatment approach), Interface (aspects of presentation), and Abilities (aspects of the cognitive disorder). WoRC program acceptability categories emerged
as Specific (trained strategies can be applied to specific scenarios) and Personal (individual factors related to willingness to implement the trained strategies).
The cost–benefit analysis demonstrated a 50.2% reduction in treatment costs, indicating
that computer-enhanced interventions are a potentially cost-effective way to increase
behavioral outcomes. We discuss these findings as they relate to future development
of computer-enhanced programs for persons with TBI.
Keywords
traumatic brain injury - adult - communicative disorders - job re-entry - attitude
to computer
