Smartphone app to aid brain injury sufferers
pharmafile | November 21, 2013 | News story | Medical Communications | brain, brain in hand, digital, glenside, smartphone, wells
Neurological rehabilitation firm Glenside are running a large-scale pilot which uses smartphone technology to improve the lives of people with brain disorders.
‘Brain in Hand’ which is based at the University of Exeter Innovation Centre, was initially designed for people with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome but is hoped to also cover mental health, mild cognitive impairment due to stroke or ageing, and general anxiety disorders.
Chief executive at Glenside David Cole said: “We see huge potential for Brain in Hand to be extended to individuals recovering from a traumatic or catastrophic brain injury.”
The smartphone technology is linked to a website and helps speed-up the rehabilitation of people with acute and long-term neurological conditions.
Brain in Hand allows people to develop responses to everyday tasks and potential problems in advance, reducing or even removing their impact. When situations or problems occur, people use their smartphones to access their potential solutions through cloud-based technology.
Anxiety levels are monitored using a simple ‘one touch traffic light’ system – green, amber, red. High anxiety responses trigger help from a mentor support team.
The prototype Brain in Hand trial involved students with Asperger’s Syndrome at the University of Portsmouth in 2011, and was followed by a year-long trial with Devon Partnership NHS Trust.
Glenside are now to run the large-scale pilot with Brain in Hand to support the rehabilitation of around 40 people with acquired brain injuries.
The firm behind it all just recently picked up an award for having the ‘Best Health Technology’ at the national Building Better Healthcare Awards in London.
The company is also working with schools and has launched a product to support students at university with Autistic Spectrum Conditions.
Brain in Hand chief executive Andrew Stamp, said: “Brain in Hand is an assistive technology that helps people regain independence and confidence, a vital aspect in achieving a successful transition from rehabilitation to independence for people with acquired brain injury.”
The app can be downloaded from the Android and Apple marketplace.
Brett Wells
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