Visual search of external support displays: a preliminary comparison of adults with and without TBI

PURPOSE: Speech-language pathologists often recommend that their clients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) utilise external supports; however, limited research exists regarding differences in the way that people with TBI and their neurotypical peers visually search for information from supports. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between adults with and without TBI in their accuracy and efficiency of locating targets within external support displays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten adults with TBI and ten neurotypical adults located targets presented in monthly calendars, weekly planners, and daily planners. Visual fixation patterns and timing data was assessed using eye-tracking technology. RESULTS: Both participant groups located targets within support displays with comparable accuracy across display types; however, people with TBI demonstrated reduced search efficiency. Both groups located targets more rapidly in daily planner displays than in monthly calendars or weekly planner displays. CONCLUSION: People with TBI performed similarly to their neurotypical peers for accuracy of target location; however, they required more time to do so. Findings indicate a need for research to identify display characteristics that enhance visual search efficiency.