Family Experiences in a Pediatric Clinical Brain–Computer Interface Program: A Qualitative Study.

Importance: Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are access technologies that can improve the occupational participation of children with disabilities. The research on the experiences of pediatric BCI users and their families is currently limited. Objective: To explore experiences of pediatric BCI use a...

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Publicado en:American Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol. 80; no. 3; pp. 1 - 11
Autores principales: Van Damme, Susannah, Mumford, Leslie, Thompson, Amy, Murphy, Clare, Ali, Tetyana, Hegazi, Amira, Wang, RuoDing, Chang, Kristen, Raza, Insia Ali, Chau, Tom, Kingsnorth, Shauna
Formato: algorithm research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: American Occupational Therapy Association May/Jun2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: May/Jun2026
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      pub: American Occupational Therapy Association
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        atl: Family Experiences in a Pediatric Clinical Brain–Computer Interface Program: A Qualitative Study.
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        au:
          Van Damme, Susannah
          Mumford, Leslie
          Thompson, Amy
          Murphy, Clare
          Ali, Tetyana
          Hegazi, Amira
          Wang, RuoDing
          Chang, Kristen
          Raza, Insia Ali
          Chau, Tom
          Kingsnorth, Shauna
        affil: Team Lead and Occupational Therapist, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
      sug:
        subj:
          Parents of Children with Disabilities Psychosocial Factors
          Caregivers Psychosocial Factors
          Parental Attitudes Evaluation
          Caregiver Attitudes Evaluation
          Brain-Computer Interfaces Utilization
          Brain-Computer Interfaces Utilization
          Rehabilitation, Pediatric
          Pediatric Occupational Therapy
          Human
          Qualitative Studies
          Descriptive Research
          Male
          Female
          Child
          Adolescence
          Purposive Sample
          Thematic Analysis
          Mothers
          Fathers
          Recreation
          Rehabilitation Centers
          Funding Source
          Semi-Structured Interview
          Hope
          Individualized Medicine
          Descriptive Statistics
          Empowerment
          Play and Playthings
          Occupation (Human)
          Equipment Design
          Children with Disabilities Psychosocial Factors
          Health Services Accessibility
          Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation
          Hereditary Diseases Rehabilitation
          Mental Disorders Diagnosed in Childhood Rehabilitation
          Electroencephalography
          Confidence
          Happiness
          Calibration
          Sensation
          Dystonia
          Wheelchairs
          Motivation
          Emotions
          Creativeness
          Caregiver Burden
          Child: 6-12 years
          Adolescent: 13-18 years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Importance: Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are access technologies that can improve the occupational participation of children with disabilities. The research on the experiences of pediatric BCI users and their families is currently limited. Objective: To explore experiences of pediatric BCI use and future expectations through caregiver perspectives. Design: A qualitative, descriptive study using purposeful sampling and inductive thematic analysis. Investigator triangulation and reflexivity enhanced credibility. Setting: Zoom for Healthcare virtual platform. Participants: Fifteen parents (12 mothers and 3 fathers) of children and youth with disabilities (ages 6–18 yr; 9 females and 6 males) who participated in a recreational BCI program at a pediatric rehabilitation hospital, with the option of additional at-home BCI use, were selected via purposive sampling. Outcomes and Measures: In-depth, semistructured interviews were used to collect data. Results: Three major themes emerged from the central topic of experiencing play using BCIs: (1) transformative experiences, (2) personalization for success, and (3) future hopes. Conclusions and Relevance: By documenting family experiences with and expectations of BCIs, these findings can guide the development of BCI use in clinical and recreational programs. Occupational therapy practitioners can use the transformative potential of BCI technology to create new pathways for participation and empowerment in the lives of children and youth with disabilities. Plain-Language Summary: Children with complex disabilities often cannot take part in play and recreation. Many activities are not accessible to them. Brain–computer interface (BCI) technologies can help kids play without needing to move or speak. We asked families using BCIs about their experiences. They shared that use of a BCI empowered their child and allowed others to consider them in a new light. Some families enjoyed the programming, and others found the activities too simple over time. Many families shared that BCI headsets were uncomfortable. A better design for kids with disabilities is important. Families hope that BCIs will help kids control their environment in the future. Occupational therapists should understand how kids and families feel about using BCIs. This study helps occupational therapists learn about the benefits of BCIs in their practice and the challenges of using them. This study helps occupational therapists learn about the benefits of brain–computer interfaces in their practice and the challenges of using them to improve the occupational participation of children with disabilities.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        algorithm
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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