BraineyApp Apps

Brainey App; Recovery after a Brain InjurybyNiamh MaloneBackground to the Brainey App:I worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in strokerehabilitationfor over ten years. In July 2013, I suffered asub-arachnoidhaemorrhage (an acquired brain injury which is a formof a stroke)It changed my life forever. When I got home I realisedI had lotsof ideas in my head, but I couldn’t write them down. Ieventuallywas able to write down one word – ‘recovery’ and itstarted fromthere.I developed a motivational psychological programme formyself,and stuck to it. This helped me overcome the challenges, andadaptand adjust to the changes in my life. I designed this app tohelppeople in a similar situation to myself, and to help them seethatthese changes are normal. The feedback so far is that peopleseethe app as a ‘buddy’ for them, aiding them with theirrecovery.This app will firstly help people to overcome challenges,and thenhelp them re-integrate into their community.Purpose of the app:It is a psychological motivational recovery application.Itprovides guidance, support and advice, through text on ascreenthat updates every month. The app is designed for peoplewithacquired brain injuries (e.g. sub arachnoid haemorrhages,traumaticbrain injuries, brain haemorrhages, strokes, and electivebrainsurgery). There is a repetitive structure and formatthroughout,with sequencing, repetition, and prompts. There are nographics,colours, or patterns, which all distract the brain (whichis whythis presentation is in black and white).Re-integrating back into community life:There is very little support for people with an acquiredbraininjury, it can take up to 6 months for access tomulti-disciplinaryservices. It can be very traumatic coming home.Realising thatalthough everything looks the same, everything isdifferent whichis unsettling. People often find themselves feelingdepressed anddemotivated. It can be a very lonely time, even thoughfamily andfriends try to help. It’s often hard to explain exactlywhat iswrong, so it can be difficult for other people tounderstandexactly how to help.How Brainey App helps:Brainy App deals with psychological motivation. It helpspeoplesee that the feelings of tiredness, unusual thinking and notbeingable do simple activities are perfectly normal with anacquiredbrain injury. It reinforces the belief that it’s fine toprogressat their own pace. It can help the person regainindependence andtake control of their lives againOverall layout of the app:User DetailsHelp ScreensHome ScreenPop up Screens with additional informationInformation for CarerInformation for ChildrenUseful Web LinksDaily ReminderMonthly FeedbackUser DetailsAbout the App