Technology-assisted messaging opportunities for two persons emerged from a minimally conscious state and showing extensive motor disabilities

Abstract

Objective: To extend the assessment of a special messaging technology with two adults emerged from a minimally conscious state and showing extensive motor disabilities as well as limited or no oral/verbal skills.Method: The study involved a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. Both participants started with baseline in which the technology was not available, and continued with intervention in which the technology was used. The technology involved a net-book computer provided with specific software, a global system for mobile communication (GSM) modem, microswitches, and pre-recorded lists of persons and messages.Results: Both participants learned to send out and receive (listen to) messages independently during the intervention. They sent out a mean of three or three and a half messages and received a mean of one and a half messages per 20-minute session.Conclusions: Special messaging technology may help post-coma persons with multiple disabilities engage in basic communication with distant partners.