Using a wearable camera to support everyday memory following brain injury: a single case study

Abstract

This case study examined the effect of wearable camera use on memory and occupational performance in a patient with memory loss and complex mental health problems following a severe neurological incident. With the help of his occupational therapist, Mr A used a wearable camera to record a series of eight personally significant events over a six-week period. During visits from his occupational therapist, Mr A was asked to report what he could remember about the events, both before (baseline) and during review of time-lapsed photographs captured automatically by the camera. The results showed striking improvements in recall while reviewing the photographs, relative to baseline recall, but the additional details recalled during review did not appear to be maintained at later tests, after several days. Across the study period there were moderate increases in occupational performance, measured using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. However, after the study period ended, Mr A ceased to use the wearable camera due to technological difficulty. The results of the study are discussed alongside novel clinical insights and suggestions for developing wearable camera support systems that can be used independently by people with memory problems.