QOL-51. FEASIBILITY AND EASE OF USE OF A REMOTE ONLINE COGNITIVE BATTERY AMONG PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR SURVIVORS

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND Pediatric brain tumor survivors are at risk for cognitive deficits, including inattention, poor memory, and slow processing speed. Due to technology advances, computerized neuropsychological batteries were developed that can be completed via internet in the home. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of successful completion and ease of use of the Penn Computerized Neuropsychological Battery (CNB) among pediatric brain tumor survivors. METHODS Forty-eight pediatric brain tumor survivors completed the online remote administration version of the Penn CNB (10 subtests) assessing complex cognition, memory, executive control, processing speed, and motor speed. Participants were provided with an electronic link to the online cognitive battery as well as paper and electronic copies of an instruction guide and post-completion surveys to return via mail/email. RESULTS Patients (56.3% female) were diagnosed and treated for a brain tumor (54.2% received radiotherapy). All participants were at least 8 years of age (M=13.71, SD=3.82) and at least one-year post-diagnosis (M=4.76, SD=2.58 years). Eighty-eight percent of participants beginning the CNB completed all subtests. Sixty percent of participants completed and returned the post-assessment survey. Participants who returned post-assessment surveys were similar to those who did not on demographic and medical factors (all p-values >.05). Mean ratings suggest that survivors were “very interested” in the tasks and they were “somewhat easy” to complete. Younger children were more likely to have trouble understanding task instructions (r=.56, p <.01) and ask for help answering specific questions (r=.46, p <.05). CONCLUSIONS Remote administration of computerized batteries are feasible among pediatric brain tumor survivors and may assist with advancing both research and patient care. From a research standpoint, remote batteries may allow for participation and engagement in research with minimal survivor burden. Clinically, such batteries may offer alternatives for screening patients who will benefit from comprehensive services.