The experience and acceptability of smartphone reminder app training for people with acquired brain injury : A mixed methods study

Smartphones are useful compensatory memory aids, yet training on how to use them is seldom offered as part of rehabilitation for acquired brain injuries (ABIs). We aimed to explore the experience and acceptability of a smartphone training intervention in 26 people with ABI who participated in a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing three skills training approaches. Participants completed questionnaire ratings and a semi-structured interview, six weeks post-training. Most participants rated the training as enjoyable (80.8%) and reasonable in duration (88.5%). Others reported that more than one training session was needed to learn the app (34.6%). Five themes were identified from qualitative data through thematic analysis: (1) Attitudes and pre-existing factors, (2) Experiencing the intervention, (3) Tailoring the intervention to the individual, (4) Facilitators and barriers to implementation and (5) Enhancing smartphone use in everyday life. These themes were juxtaposed with a theoretical framework of acceptability, which indicated that some elements (e.g., having a structured session and a supportive trainer) contributed to the acceptability of the intervention by minimizing training burden and increasing self-efficacy. Tailoring the training to the individual’s technological skills and lifestyle, providing post-training resources and involving family members were identified as factors that could improve intervention acceptability

Comparing performance across in-person and videoconference-based administrations of common neuropsychological measures in community-based survivors of stroke

Objective: Neuropsychological assessment via videoconference could assist in bridging service access gaps due to geographical, mobility, or infection control barriers. We aimed to compare performances on neuropsychological measures across in-person and videoconference-based administrations in community-based survivors of stroke. Method: Participants were recruited through a stroke-specific database and community advertising. Stroke survivors were eligible if they had no upcoming neuropsychological assessment, concurrent neurological and/or major psychiatric diagnoses, and/or sensory, motor, or language impairment that would preclude standardised assessment. Thirteen neuropsychological measures were administered in-person and via videoconference in a randomised crossover design (2-week interval). Videoconference calls were established between two laptop computers, facilitated by Zoom. Repeated-measures t tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and Bland–Altman plots were used to compare performance across conditions. Results: Forty-eight participants (26 men; Mage = 64.6, SD = 10.1; Mtime since stroke = 5.2 years, SD = 4.0) completed both sessions on average 15.8 (SD = 9.7) days apart. For most measures, the participants did not perform systematically better in a particular condition, indicating agreement between administration methods. However, on the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised, participants performed poorer in the videoconference condition (Total Recall Mdifference = −2.11). ICC estimates ranged from .40 to .96 across measures. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that in-person and videoconference assessment result in comparable scores for most neuropsychological tests evaluated in mildly impaired community-based survivors of stroke. This preliminary evidence supports teleneuropsychological assessment to address service gaps in stroke rehabilitation; however, further research is needed in more diverse stroke samples

General and domain-specific effectiveness of cognitive remediation after stroke: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Cognitive remediation (CR) has been shown to improve cognitive abilities following a stroke. However, an updated quantitative literature review is needed to synthesize recent research and build understanding of factors that may optimize training parameters and treatment effects. Randomized controlled trials of CR were retrieved from seven electronic databases. Studies specific to adult stroke populations were included. Treatment effects were estimated using a random effects model, with immediate and longer-term follow-up outcomes, and moderator effects, examined for both overall and domain-specific functioning. Twenty-two studies were identified yielding 1098 patients (583 in CR groups). CR produced a small overall effect (g = 0.48, 95% CI 0.35–0.60, p < 0.01) compared with control conditions. This effect was moderated by recovery stage (p < 0.01), study quality (p = 0.04), and dose (p = 0.04), but not CR approach (p = 0.63). Significant small to medium (g = 0.25–0.75) post-intervention gains were evident within each individual outcome domain examined. A small overall effect (g = 0.27, 95% CI 0.04–0.51, p = 0.02) of CR persisted at follow-up (range 2–52 weeks). CR is effective and efficient at improving cognitive performance after stroke. The degree of efficacy varies across cognitive domains, and further high-quality research is required to enhance and sustain the immediate effects. Increased emphasis on early intervention approaches, brain-behavior relationships, and evaluation of activity and participation outcomes is also recommended

Comparing face-to-face and videoconference completion of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in community-based survivors of stroke

Introduction Videoconferencing may help address barriers associated with poor access to post-stroke cognitive screening. However, the equivalence of videoconference and face-to-face administrations of appropriate cognitive screening tools needs to be established. We compared face-to-face and videoconference administrations of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in community-based survivors of stroke. We also evaluated whether participant characteristics (e.g. age) influenced equivalence. Methods We used a randomised crossover design (two-week interval). Participants were recruited through community advertising and use of a stroke-specific database. Both sessions were conducted by the same researcher in the same location. Videoconference sessions were conducted using Zoom. A repeated-measures t-test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland–Altman plot and multivariate regression modelling were used to establish equivalence. Results Forty-eight participants (26 men, Mage = 64.6 years, standard deviation (SD) = 10.1; Mtime since stroke = 5.2 years, SD = 4.0) completed the MoCA face-to-face and via videoconference on average 15.8 (SD = 9.7) days apart. Participants did not perform systematically better in a particular condition, and no participant variable predicted difference in MoCA performance. However, the ICC was low (0.615), and the Bland–Altman plot indicated wide limits of agreement, indicating variability between sessions. Discussion Our findings provide preliminary evidence to support the use of videoconference to administer the MoCA following stroke. However, further research into the test–retest reliability of scores derived from the MoCA is needed in this population. Administering the MoCA via videoconference holds potential to ensure that all stroke survivors undergo cognitive screening, in line with recommended clinical practice

The use of videoconferencing in clinical neuropsychology practice : A mixed methods evaluation of neuropsychologists' experiences and views

Objective Videoconference technology may be a means of improving access to neuropsychological services. We investigated the use of, and views on, videoconference for clinical purposes among neuropsychologists in Australia. Method An online survey was completed by a convenience sample of neuropsychologists (i.e., registered psychologists working in clinical neuropsychology roles) between March and June 2018, recruited through a profession‐based email group and word‐of‐mouth. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and open‐ended responses summarised using thematic analysis. Results Among 90 eligible respondents (77 female; Mage = 39.9-years, SD = 9.6, range: 25–69; Mexperience = 9.3-years, SD = 6.3, range: 1–26), only 25 (27.8%) had used videoconference in their clinical practice. The majority of these respondents had only used it once or less than monthly. Use was particularly scarce for history taking interviews (n = 6) and assessments (n = 6). Those who had not used videoconference were less willing to try it for clinical assessments in comparison to other areas of service delivery. Five themes characterised clinicians' views on videoconference in neuropsychology: tradition, practical and resource‐related considerations, quality of the clinical service, improved service resource use and clinician convenience, and client convenience, comfort and access. Conclusions Currently, few neuropsychologists use videoconferencing for client consultations. Positive and negative perceptions were reported. Education, training, and directions for future research were recommended to address barriers and increase uptake of the use of videoconference in clinical neuropsychology practice

Comparing memory group training and computerized cognitive training for improving memory function following stroke: A phase II randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Memory deficits are common after stroke, yet remain a high unmet need within the community. The aim of this phase II randomized controlled trial was to determine whether group compensatory or computerized cognitive training approaches were effective in rehabilitating memory following stroke. Methods: A parallel, 3-group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was used to compare the effectiveness of a compensatory memory skills group with restorative computerized training on functional goal attainment. Secondary outcomes explored change in neuropsychological measures of memory, subjective ratings of prospective and everyday memory failures and ratings of internal and external strategy use. Results: A total of 65 community dwelling survivors of stroke were randomized (24: memory group, 22: computerized cognitive training, and 19: wait-list control). Participants allocated to the memory group reported significantly greater attainment of memory goals and internal strategy use at 6-week follow-up relative to participants in computerized training and wait-list control conditions. However, groups did not differ significantly on any subjective or objective secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Preliminary evidence shows that memory skills groups, but not computerized training, may facilitate achievement of functional memory goals for community dwelling survivors of stroke. These findings require further replication, given the modest sample size, subjective nature of the outcomes and the absence of objective eligibility for inclusion

Providing rehabilitation services to major traumatic injury survivors in rural Australia : Perspectives of rehabilitation practitioners and compensation claims managers

Purpose The delivery of healthcare services in rural locations can be challenging. From the perspectives of rural rehabilitation practitioners and compensation claims managers, this study explored the experience of providing and coordinating rehabilitation services for rural major traumatic injury survivors. Materials and Methods Semi-structured interviews with 14 rural rehabilitation practitioners and 10 compensation claims managers were transcribed, and reflexive thematic analysis was conducted. Results Six themes were identified (1) Challenges finding and connecting with rural services, (2) Factors relating to insurance claims management, (3) Managing the demand for services, (4) Good working relationships, (5) Limited training and support, and (6) Client resilience and community. System-related barriers included a lack of available search resources to find rural rehabilitation services, limited service/clinician availability and funding policies lacking the flexibility to meet rehabilitation needs in a rural context. Strong peer and interdisciplinary relationships were viewed as crucial facilitators, which rural practitioners were particularly adept at developing. Conclusions Greater consideration of unique needs within rural contexts is required when developing service delivery models. Specifically, flexible and equitable funding policies; facilitating interdisciplinary connections, support and training for rehabilitation practitioners and compensation claims managers; and harnessing clients’ resilience may improve the delivery of rural services. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION • Rural survivors of major traumatic injury often have ongoing health and rehabilitation needs and struggle to access required treatment services. • Rehabilitation providers and compensation claims managers highlighted areas for improvement in rural areas, including resources for locating available services, funding the additional costs of rural service delivery, and greater service choice for clients. • Building rural workforce capacity for treatment of major traumatic injury is needed, including improved clinician access to specialist training and support. • Developing good working relationships between clients and clinicians, including interdisciplinary collaborations, and supporting client resilience and self-management should be promoted in future service delivery models