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. 2021 May 13;8(2):e26078.
doi: 10.2196/26078.

Technology Acceptance and Usability of the BrainFx SCREEN in Canadian Military Members and Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Mixed Methods UTAUT Study

Chelsea Jones  1   2   3 , Antonio Miguel-Cruz  4   5 , Suzette Brémault-Phillips  1   4
Affiliations

Technology Acceptance and Usability of the BrainFx SCREEN in Canadian Military Members and Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Mixed Methods UTAUT Study

Chelsea Jones et al. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol. .

Abstract

Background: 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. 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.

Objective: This 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.

Methods: This 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.

Results: Facilitating 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.

Conclusions: As 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.

Keywords: Canadian Armed Forces; NCAT; PTSD; UTAUT; cognition; cognitive assessment; concussion; digital health; executive function; mTBI; military; neurology; neuropsychology; post concussive symptoms; technology acceptance.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model with age and gender as the moderator variables.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Path analysis model of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology for predicting BI. Facilitating conditions is the largest predictor of BI (path coefficient=0.657; R2=0.549). The thicker the arrow, the larger the effect on the variable or construct in the measurement or structural model. BI: behavioral intention; EE: effort expectancy; FC: facilitating conditions; PE: performance expectancy; SI: social influence.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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