Training Resources Targeting Social Media Skills to Inform Rehabilitation for People Who Have an Acquired Brain Injury: Scoping Review

Abstract

Background In 2020 and 2021, people increasingly used the internet to connect socially and professionally. However, people with an acquired brain injury (ABI) experience challenges in using social media, and rehabilitation professionals have reported feeling underprepared to support them in its use. To date, no review of social media skills training to inform ABI rehabilitation has been conducted. Objective This scoping review aimed to examine research on interventions addressing social media skills and safety, with a focus on people living with health conditions; free web-based resources for the general public on social media skills training; and currently available online support groups for people with ABI. Methods An integrative scoping review was conducted, with a systematic search strategy applied in March and November 2020 across OvidSP (MEDLINE, AMED, PsycINFO, and Embase), Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Google, and Facebook. The data collected were critically appraised and synthesized to describe the key content and features of social media training resources. Results This review identified 47 peer-reviewed academic articles, 48 social media training websites, and 120 online support groups for people with ABI. A key recommendation was interactive training with practical components addressing cybersafety, how to use platforms, and how to connect with others. However, no social media training resources that were relevant and accessible for people with ABI were identified. Conclusions Training resources to support people with ABI in safely using social media are limited. The key content to be addressed and the features to be incorporated into web-based social media training were determined, including the need for interactive training that is co-designed and safe and incorporates practical components that support people with ABI. These findings can be used to inform the development of web-based evidence-based support for people with ABI who may be vulnerable when participating in social media.

Do speech–language therapists support young people with communication disability to use social media? A mixed methods study of professional practices

“…The finding that SLTs need to be adaptable may reflect a limited evidence base and a lack of ready-made therapeutic resources targeting a young person's social media use. Brunner et al (2022b) reviewed interventions and web-based resources targeting social media skills for both the general public and those with health conditions, particularly acquired brain injury (ABI). Just two of the 48 websites reviewed were tailored for children or young people, but neither were relevant or accessible for people with communication disability.…”

Digital Health Implementation Strategies Coproduced With Adults With Acquired Brain Injury, Their Close Others, and Clinicians: Mixed Methods Study With Collaborative Autoethnography and Network Analysis

“…Potential neurorehabilitation support therefore extends to cyber safety training for people with ABI, with exploratory research indicating that more than half (n=54, 53.5%) of 101 surveyed Australian and New Zealand neurorehabilitation providers had clients who had been affected by cyberscams [ 25 ]. However, there is currently a lack of effective interventions supporting digital interactions through social media after ABI [ 25 , 26 ].…”

‘It gives you encouragement because you're not alone’: A pilot study of a multi‐component social media skills intervention for people with acquired brain injury

“…However, people with TBI have reported receiving little professional support to use social media (Brunner et al, 2019) and rehabilitation professionals have described being inadequately prepared to support them in its use (Brunner et al, 2021b). A recent scoping review identified that, to date, there have been few interventions reported in the literature specifically addressing this area for people with ABI (Brunner et al, 2022b). There was limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of social media training, with Brunner et al identifying that social media training for people with ABI should be developed through user-centred design and evaluation (Brunner et al, 2022b).…”

“…A recent scoping review identified that, to date, there have been few interventions reported in the literature specifically addressing this area for people with ABI (Brunner et al, 2022b). There was limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of social media training, with Brunner et al identifying that social media training for people with ABI should be developed through user-centred design and evaluation (Brunner et al, 2022b). Many of the included social media skills training interventions and information sources incorporated or recommended training in aspects of cybersafety, opportunities for real-life practice and supports tailored to individual needs (Brunner et al, 2022b).…”

“…identifying that social media training for people with ABI should be developed through user‐centred design and evaluation (Brunner et al., 2022b). Many of the included social media skills training interventions and information sources incorporated or recommended training in aspects of cybersafety, opportunities for real‐life practice and supports tailored to individual needs (Brunner et al., 2022b).…”