Assistive technologies designed to support executive function impairments while promoting independence: A scoping review

Abstract

Assistive technologies for cognition (ATC) can help alleviate some of the impacts of executive dysfunction and support independence. This article presents a scoping review to highlight the research gaps in this area. Search of scientific and gray literature was conducted in clinical and computer science databases, resulting in a selection of 27 papers. Traumatic brain injury and dementia were the disorders for which the most supports were available. Planning and carrying out tasks were the most supported executive function operations. Food preparation was the daily activity for which the most supports were developed. Diverse non-context-aware technologies were used to deliver primarily audio and visual prompts and cues. The performance of most of the technologies was tested among the target population to evaluate acceptability and effectiveness. This review showed that: (1) The goal formulation executive function operation needs to be the focus of more research; (2) the clinical context needs to be described in more be detail; (3) ATC development could benefit from the use of a wider range of user-centered methods, such as observational or ideation methods; (4) more evaluation of user outcomes is needed, such as impact on independence; and (5) a greater diversity of activities of daily living should be supported. Recommendations are presented.