Forgot to walk the dog? An experimental single case study of carer-facilitated errorless learning following TBI

Primary Objective: The objective of this clinically based study is to investigate if errorless learning applied by carer(s) in an everyday setting can reduce the frequency of everyday memory problems following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research design: Multiple baseline single case experimental design. Methods and Procedures: A patient with severe memory impairment, six years post TBI was recruited via an outpatient neurorehabilitation clinic. ABA analysis was conducted using daily frequency counts of everyday memory problems as an index of change. Experimental Intervention: Intervention within an errorless learning paradigm was delivered by the patient's carer, aimed at reducing the occurrence of identified everyday memory problems. Patient generated cues were used and the carer was guided in treatment implementation by an Occupational Therapist. Main Outcomes and Results: Incidence of frequently occurring memory lapses reduced significantly (p<0.0001) and this was maintained at 3 months post intervention. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential clinical value of errorless learning, using patient generated cues applied by carers within an everyday setting.