Abstract
BackgroundCanadian Armed Forces service members (CAF-SMs) and veterans exhibit higher rates of injuries and illnesses, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury, which can cause and exacerbate cognitive dysfunction. Computerized neurocognitive assessment tools have demonstrated increased reliability and efficiency compared with traditional cognitive assessment tools. Without assessing the degree of technology acceptance and perceptions of usability to end users, it is difficult to determine whether a technology-based assessment will be used successfully in wider clinical practice. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model is commonly used to address the technology acceptance and usability of applications in five domains.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the technology acceptance and usability of a neurocognitive assessment tool, which was titled BrainFx SCREEN, among CAF-SMs and veterans with PTSD by using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model.MethodsThis mixed methods embedded pilot study included CAF-SMs and veterans (N=21) aged 18-60 years with a diagnosis of PTSD who completed pre- and postquestionnaires on the same day the BrainFx SCREEN was used. A partial least squares structural equation model was used to analyze the questionnaire results. Qualitative data were assessed using thematic analysis.ResultsFacilitating conditions, which were the most notable predictors of behavioral intention, increased after using the BrainFx SCREEN, whereas effort expectancy decreased. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social interaction were not factors that could predict behavioral intention. Participants who reported a previous mild traumatic brain injury were significantly more likely to report current symptoms of cognitive impairment. The BrainFx SCREEN is a feasible, usable, and accepted assessment tool for CAF-SMs and veterans who experience PTSD.ConclusionsAs military health care systems integrate technological innovations to improve the services and care provided, research must continue to address the acceptability and use of these novel assessments and interventions.
Highlights
BackgroundCanadian Armed Forces service members (CAF-SMs) and veterans exhibit higher rates of injuries and illnesses, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and mild traumatic brain injury, which can cause and exacerbate cognitive dysfunction [1,2]
Symptoms often described as postconcussive symptoms (PCSs) in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may be better explained from a psychological standpoint and may be more likely to be caused by PTSD [9]
The target sample size was set at a minimum of 32 CAF-SMs and/or veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (crPTSD) who would participate in the study to account for a 10% dropout rate, which would still allow for power at 24 participants
Summary
Canadian Armed Forces service members (CAF-SMs) and veterans exhibit higher rates of injuries and illnesses, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which can cause and exacerbate cognitive dysfunction [1,2]. After adjustment for confounding variables, mTBI was found to have no significant association with PCS relative to non-TBI injury [7] Mental health conditions, such as combat-related PTSD, had a strong association with reporting three or more PCSs [5,7]. Canadian Armed Forces service members (CAF-SMs) and veterans exhibit higher rates of injuries and illnesses, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury, which can cause and exacerbate cognitive dysfunction.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
