Feasibility of Using a Mobile App Supported Executive Function Intervention in Military Service Members and Veterans with mTBI and Co-Occurring Psychological Conditions

Rebecca Gartell, John Morris and Tracey Wallace ()
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Rebecca Gartell: SHARE Military Initiative, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
John Morris: Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
Tracey Wallace: SHARE Military Initiative, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-12

Abstract: This pilot study assessed the feasibility of using SwapMyMood, a smartphone application supporting evidence-based strategies for emotion regulation and problem-solving as a supplement to conventional care for military service members and veterans (SM/Vs) experiencing chronic symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and co-occurring psychological conditions. Eight military SM/Vs were recruited from an intensive outpatient program. Participants were block randomized to an experimental group (conventional care plus use of the SwapMyMood app) or a conventional care only group for six weeks. Conventional care included instruction on problem-solving and emotion regulation strategies using traditional paper manuals and protocols. Effects on the knowledge and use of strategies and related goal attainment were measured. Patient-reported outcomes were measured via several validated problem-solving and emotion regulation scales. No differences were found between groups in goal attainment, global executive function, problem-solving, emotion regulation, and knowledge of how to use the problem-solving and emotion regulation strategies targeted. Experimental group participants rated the application positively, demonstrating feasibility of integration of the app into clinical care. The implementation of SwapMyMood is feasible in a clinical setting. SwapMyMood may be a clinically effective supplemental tool for supporting executive function in SM/Vs with mTBI and co-occurring psychological conditions.

Keywords: brain injuries; concussion; military personnel; executive function; problem solving; emotional regulation; rehabilitation; technology; smartphone; telehealth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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