“This group… I felt like I was medicating myself from this cyberscam illness that was living with me.” A qualitative evaluation of co-designing cybersafety training resources with and for people with acquired brain injury

Abstract

Purpose Whilst anyone can be scammed, individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) may have unique risk factors to cyberscams for which tailored interventions are required. To address this, a co-design approach was utilised to develop cybersafety resources with people with living experience of ABI and scams. This study aimed to evaluate the co-design experience to inform future utilisation of co-design methods. Method Semi-structured qualitative interviews explored perceived benefits and challenges, level of support and the co-design process for people with ABI (n= 7) and an attendant care worker (ACW) (n= 1). Transcripts were analysed using a six-stage reflexive thematic analysis. Results Five themes were identified: “An Intervention Addressing Shame”; “Feeling Validated and Valued”; “Experiencing a ‘Profound Change Amongst a Group of Peers’”; ‘Gaining Stronger Scam Awareness’; and ‘Taking Ownership’. Adjustments to support communication, memory impairments and fatigue in the co-design process were recommended. Conclusions Participant reflections on the co-design process extended beyond resource design and highlighted therapeutic benefits of increased insight and emotional recovery from shame. Likely mechanisms underpinning these benefits were the peer group format and opportunities to make meaningful contributions. Despite identified challenges in facilitating co-design projects, the practical and emotional benefits reported by participants underscore the value of co-design with people with ABI. Implications for rehabilitation Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) may be at increased risk of cyberscams due to cognitive impairments, for which tailored cyberscam interventions are required. Using a co-design approach maximises the relevance of training resources for individuals with ABI. Using a collaborative co-design approach to developing cybersafety training resources may facilitate scam awareness and peer support. Support for communication, memory impairments and fatigue may be necessary in co-design efforts with people with ABI.