How people with cognitive disabilities experience electronic planning devices

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

People with cognitive disabilities have difficulties in accomplishing everyday tasks. Electronic planning devices (EPDs) may compensate for the gap between a person’s capacity and everyday challenges. However, the devices are not always used as intended. Despite that, cognitive assistive technology has been investigated in several studies, knowledge regarding when and what makes adults decide to use EPDs is incomplete.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim was to explore the subjective experiences of people with cognitive disabilities in relation to the use of EPDs.

METHODS:

A qualitative approach was applied with a qualitative content analysis. Twelve respondents were interviewed with support from a study specific guide.

RESULTS:

A model representing the respondents’ experiences in the use of EPDs, comprising one theme, Possibility to master my daily life, four categories, Degree of fit to my needs, I am aware of my cognitive disability, I get help to structure my everyday life and The EPD improves my volition and ten subcategories, was developed.

CONCLUSIONS:

EPDs allow people with cognitive disabilities the possibility to deal with daily challenges; those who find EPDs beneficial tend to use them. EPDs can help people with cognitive disabilities in organisation, managing time and improve volition.