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Patient and clinician experiences of a computerised cognitive battery for use after concussion: a preliminary qualitative study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 October 2020

C. Macleod ,
L. J. Surgenor ,
W. Levack ,
J. Hackney ,
A. Theadom ,
R. J. Siegert ,
N. D. Silverberg  and
D. L. Snell
C. Macleod
Affiliation:
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
L. J. Surgenor
Affiliation:
Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
W. Levack
Affiliation:
Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
J. Hackney
Affiliation:
Burwood Concussion Clinic, Christchurch, New Zealand
A. Theadom
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Rehabilitation, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
R. J. Siegert
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Rehabilitation, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
N. D. Silverberg
Affiliation:
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver, Canada
D. L. Snell*
Affiliation:
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand Burwood Concussion Clinic, Christchurch, New Zealand
*
*Corresponding author. Email: debbie.snell@otago.ac.nz
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Abstract

Objective:

The Cognition Battery of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioural Function is a computerised neuropsychological battery recommended for clinical practice, neurological research and clinical trials. We investigated the utility of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) for people with concussion.

Methods:

In this small qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five adults with concussion who were participating in a larger study using the NIHTB-CB. Three clinician participants and two cultural advisors familiar with the tool were also interviewed. Interview transcripts were analysed using a general thematic approach and qualitative description.

Results:

Participants described both positive and negative experiences with the NIHTB-CB and using qualitative description, their experiences were organised into three broad themes: (1) using technology for cognitive testing made sense, (2) there were some cultural relevance questions and (3) cognitive testing after concussion could have challenges. They were positive about the computerised format and range of domains assessed for the concussion context but identified the contextual relevance of some content as having potential to impact on performances.

Conclusion:

This was a small study examining the experiences of a select group of participants, but nevertheless does suggest a need for future research validating the NIHTB-CB for use in different cultural and clinical contexts.

Keywords

NIH Toolbox Cognition Batterymild traumatic brain injurycomputerised cognitive assessment
Type
Articles
Information
Brain Impairment , Volume 22 , Issue 2 , September 2021 , pp. 189 - 204
Copyright
© Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment 2020

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