Using a Palmtop PDA for Reminding in Prospective Memory Deficit
By Tackett, Stacie L.; Rice, David A.; Rice, Janet C.; Butterbaugh, Grant J.; RESNA 2001: Annual Conference Proceedings, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 23-25Publication Date: June 2001
Study explores the possibility of using personal digital assistants (PDAs) as reminding devices for people with prospective memory failure. This technology could be particularly effective as a medication reminder for elderly people, as medication nonadherence can lead to morbidity and institutionalization. Reminding technology can be employed to increase independence and reduce the required level of care. For the study, two Palm V handheld devices and attachable modems were employed, along with On-Time-Rx, a medication reminder program. Palmscape, an Internet browser, was also used to access the Web site designed for the project. Four participants were observed using the technology during a two-week period. For a control week each subject compiled a paper task list with planned and completed action times. The experimental period required subjects to program tasks with scheduled completion times into the On-Time-Rx reminding program. The PDA sounded an alarm at the assigned time, and the participants reported their actions on the touch screen. The results suggested that using a Palmtop PDA increased regularity in the participants' medication times and frequencies, yet many of the participants also reported difficulty in initially understanding how to use the technology. The authors suggest that more studies need to be completed on memory deficit to determine the most effective coping strategies.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
ISBN: 0-932101-43-7
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number O14137
