ABSTRACT

The Multiple Errands Test (MET) is a naturalistic assessment of executive function. Strategy use during the MET can provide useful information for the development of a cognitive profile and intervention plan in patients with brain injury. However, while observed external strategy use in the MET is well-documented, information about internal strategy use and reference data with healthy controls is limited. Contextual influences on strategy selection in this real-world assessment are also not well understood. This qualitative descriptive study explored the internal and external strategies used during MET performance by cognitively intact adults. Strategies were categorized as planning, checking, and problem solving. When planning, participants simplified and familiarized themselves with MET requirements before developing an action plan. They checked their performance by asking for help and using cues in the physical environment. When problems arose, these were solved through self-talk, comparing alternatives, applying context and modifying their plan. Results highlighted that individuals employ both visible and hidden strategies during the MET. This suggests that reflective discussions with patients following cognitive task engagement may be important, to uncover and understand strategy use, both to inform analysis of performance and guide strategy training.

摘要

多任务测试 (MET) 是对执行功能的自然评估。MET 期间的策略使用可以为脑损伤患者的认知概况和干预计划的发展提供有用的信息。然而，虽然在 MET 中观察到的外部策略使用是有据可查的，但有关内部策略使用和健康控制参考数据的信息是有限的。在这个现实世界的评估中，背景对策略选择的影响也不是很清楚。这项定性描述性研究探讨了认知完整的成年人在 MET 表现期间使用的内部和外部策略。策略分为计划、检查和解决问题。在规划时，参与者在制定行动计划之前简化并熟悉了 MET 要求。他们通过寻求帮助和在物理环境中使用线索来检查自己的表现。当问题出现时，通过自我对话、比较备选方案、应用背景和修改计划来解决这些问题。结果强调，个人在 MET 期间采用了可见和隐藏的策略。这表明在认知任务参与后与患者进行反思性讨论对于发现和理解策略使用可能很重要，这既可以为绩效分析提供信息，也可以指导策略培训。