The psychological and social impact of the digital self-support system ‘Brain in Hand’ on autistic people: prospective cohort study in England and Wales
Author
Tromans, SamuelHenley, William
Summers, Ian
Bilkey, Danielle
Datson, Jenna
doherty, Nicola
Morpeth, Louise
Benbow, Sarah
Jelbert, Rebecca
Roy, Ashok
Watkins, Lance
Perera, Bhathika
Shazad, Saman
Pender, Richard
Alexander, Regi
Laugharne, Richard
Shankar, Rohit
Affiliation
University of Leicester; Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust; University of Exeter Medical School; Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; University of Plymouth Peninsula School of Medicine; Brain in Hand Ltd, Exeter; Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust; University of South Wales; Swansea Bay University Health Board; Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust; Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Devon Partnership NHS Trust; Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust; School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire;Publication date
2023-05-26Subject
Mental health
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background Brain in Hand (BIH) is a UK-based digital self-support system for managing anxiety and social functioning. Aims To identify the impact of BIH on the psychological and social functioning of adults with autism. Method Adults with diagnosed or suspected DSM-5 (level 1) autism, identified by seven NHS autism services in England and Wales, were recruited for a 12-week prospective mixed-methods cohort study. The primary quantitative outcome measures were the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for People with Learning Disabilities (HONOS-LD) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Fisher's exact test explored sociodemographic associations. Paired t-test was utilised for pre–post analysis of overall effectiveness of BIH. Multivariable linear regression models, univariable pre–post analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, logistic regression analysis, Bonferroni correction and normative analysis were used to give confidence in changes identified. A thematic analysis of semi-structured exist interviews following Braun and Clarke's six-step process of 10% of participants who completed the study was undertaken. Results Sixty-six of 99 participants completed the study. There was significant reduction in mean HONOS-LD scores, with 0.65 s.d. decrease in those who used BIH for 12 weeks. Significant positive changes were identified in HONOS-LD subdomains of ‘self-injurious behaviours’, ‘memory and orientation’, ‘communication problems in understanding’, ‘occupation and activities’ and ‘problems with relationship’. A significant reduction in the anxiety, but not depression, component of the HADS scores was identified. Thematic analysis showed high confidence in BIH. Conclusions BIH improved anxiety and other clinical, social and functioning outcomes of adults with autism.Citation
Tromans S, Henley W, Summers I, et al. The psychological and social impact of the digital self-support system ‘Brain in Hand’ on autistic people: prospective cohort study in England and Wales. BJPsych Open. 2023;9(3):e96. doi:10.1192/bjo.2023.57Type
ArticleJournal
BJPsych OpenPublisher
Cambridge University Pressae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1192/bjo.2023.57