Exploring the effectiveness of a screening measure to identify subtle cognitive and functional problems in a sample of acquired brain injury patients admitted to a neurological hospital in the UK: A feasibility study

S Simpson,A Kaehne,C Kelly,J Martlew

doi:10.1080/23311908.2019.1667191

S Simpson, A Kaehne + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2019.1667191

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Abstract

Patients considered asymptomatic after acquired brain injury (ABI) may be exhibiting undetected cognitive deficits which can lead to problems with everyday tasks. Current screening tools focus on cognitive deficits and not functional impact. This cross-sectional feasibility study aimed to explore the use of a bedside screening tool: Cognitive Functional Performance Measure (CFPM). Drawing on occupational therapy theory and principles, the CFPM offers the multi-disciplinary team a unique tool to trigger referral to occupational therapy. A sample of patients with ABI (n = 34) were recruited and their CFPM scores were compared with scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Kettle Test. Spearman’s rank and Chi-square were used to analyse the data. A moderate correlation was found between the MoCA and CFPM. There was no significant association between the type of ABI and performance on the CFPM. The unique design of the CFPM offers an alternative to existing screening tools, placing emphasis on the identification of cognitive impairment and functional deficits with the ultimate goal to develop a tool that is ecologically valid. Further studies exploring the feasibility and validity of the CFPM is recommended.

Highlights

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain caused by events after birth [1]
The Cognitive Functional Performance Measure (CFPM) combines two approaches to assessing cognitive impairment, it uniquely incorporates traditional neuropsychological subtests with a functional t based task, drawing upon core occupational therapy theories and principles. ip There are currently no screening measures available that utilise this format r the CFPM had to be compared with two separate measures
Nu The results suggest the CFPM has a moderate relationship with the a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and only a weak relationship with the Kettle Test

Summary

Introduction

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain caused by events after birth [1]. Tumour, infection or trauma due to a fall or car accident. Stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) make up the largest proportion of ABI in the UK [2]. Over one million people in the UK live with the long-term effects of ABI at an estimated minimum cost of £4.1 billion [3]. The majority ip of strokes are neurologically mild to moderate in nature [4, 5]. The incidence cr rates for mild TBI per 100,000 population worldwide are between 100-300; s these mild injuries account for between 70-90% of all TBIs [6]

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