Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Does Generalization Occur Following Computer-Based Cognitive Retraining?—An Exploratory Study, Kitsum Li, Jonathan Alonso, Nisha Chadha, Jennifer Pulido

Kitsum Li

Computer-based cognitive retraining (CBCR) intervention has gained great popularity in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of skill generalization to daily living task for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) after completion of eight modules of a commercially available CBCR program, the Parrot Software. The study investigated changes in individuals’ global cognition as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and changes in individuals’ performance during a medication-box sorting task, a novel instrumental activity of daily living. The medication-box sorting task resembled real life medication management with daily prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Twelve individuals with ABI from a …

In Adult Patients With Unilateral Stroke, Is Distributed Constraint-Induced Therapy Or Bilateral Arm Training More Effective In Improving Upper Extremity Motor And Functional Outcomes Compared With A Routine Approach?, Courtney Beyer, Christine Kim, Janice Li, Angelica Soltis, Kitsum Li

Kitsum Li

Computer-Based Cognitive Retraining For Adults With Chronic Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Study, Kitsum Li, Julie Robertson, Joshua Ramos, Stephanie Gella

Kitsum Li

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a computer-based cognitive retraining (CBCR) program on improving memory and attention deficits in individuals with a chronic acquired brain injury (ABI). Twelve adults with a chronic ABI demonstrating deficits in memory and attention were recruited from a convenience sample from the community. Using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design, a significant improvement was found in both memory and attention scores postintervention using the cognitive screening tool. This study supported the effectiveness of CBCR programs in improving cognitive deficits in memory and attention in individuals with chronic ABI. Further research is recommended to validate these findings …

Computer-Based Cognitive Retraining For Adults With Chronic Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Study, Kitsum Li, Julie Robertson, Joshua Ramos, Stephanie Gella

Kitsum Li

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a computer-based cognitive retraining (CBCR) program on improving memory and attention deficits in individuals with a chronic acquired brain injury (ABI). Twelve adults with a chronic ABI demonstrating deficits in memory and attention were recruited from a convenience sample from the community. Using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design, a significant improvement was found in both memory and attention scores postintervention using the cognitive screening tool. This study supported the effectiveness of CBCR programs in improving cognitive deficits in memory and attention in individuals with chronic ABI. Further research is recommended to validate these findings …

Computer-Based Cognitive Retraining For Adults With Chronic Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Study, Kitsum Li, Julie Robertson, Joshua Ramos, Stephanie Gella

Kitsum Li

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a computer-based cognitive retraining (CBCR) program on improving memory and attention deficits in individuals with a chronic acquired brain injury (ABI). Twelve adults with a chronic ABI demonstrating deficits in memory and attention were recruited from a convenience sample from the community. Using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design, a significant improvement was found in both memory and attention scores postintervention using the cognitive screening tool. This study supported the effectiveness of CBCR programs in improving cognitive deficits in memory and attention in individuals with chronic ABI. Further research is recommended to validate these findings …

The Effectiveness Of Secondary Prevention Lifestyle Interventions Designed To Change Lifestyle Behavior Following Stroke: Summary Of A Systematic Review, Maggie Lawrence, Susan Kerr, Caroline Mcvey, John Godwin

Dr. Maggie Lawrence

Background A feature of stroke is that it recurs (25% within

five-years). Risk factors for stroke and recurrent stroke

include smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and physical

inactivity.

Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of secondary prevention

lifestyle interventions designed to change lifestyle behavior

following stroke. This short paper presents a summary of the

systematic review process and findings.

Methods Ten major databases were searched using subject

headings and key words. Papers were screened using

review-specific criteria. Critical appraisal and data extraction

were conducted independently by two reviewers. Data were

pooled in statistical meta-analysis; where this was not possible

findings were …

Defining And Measuring Patient-Centred Care: An Example From A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Of The Stroke Literature., Maggie Lawrence, Sue Kinn

Dr. Maggie Lawrence

Background

Involving patients in the determination of their care is increasingly important, and healthcare professionals worldwide have recognised a need for clinical outcome measures and interventions that facilitate patient-centred care delivery in a range of settings.

Aim

A mixed-methods review was conducted, which aimed to identify stroke-specific patient-centred outcome measures, patient-centred interventions, and family-centred interventions.

Search strategy

Databases searched included MEDLINE and PsycINFO; search strings were based on MeSH terms and keywords associated with the terms ‘stroke’ and ‘patient-centred’.

Data extraction and analysis

Descriptive statistics were used to report quantitative data; papers included in the review were also underwent thematic …

Pirandello’S Analogy: A Source For A Better Understanding Of The Social Impact Of Stroke, M.A.C. Van Haaren, Maggie Lawrence, P.H. Goossens, B. Van Den Bossche, M.J.H. Wermer, A.A. Kaptein

Dr. Maggie Lawrence

Background: Suffering a stroke has major implications for the patient. To understand human suffering, one should understand society. Pirandello described society as a higher entity than the individual, thereby justifying human adaptability to society. We explore a qualitative finding that suggests that social trends may influence how stroke patients prioritize aspects of their rehabilitation. Methods: We compare a contemporary patient’s experience of stroke recovery with that of a fictional character from the works of Luigi Pirandello. Both patients had two main residual symptoms: hemiparesis and aphasia. Results: The rehabilitation priorities of the two patients differed, and appeared to reflect the …

Determining The Needs, Priorities, And Desired Rehabilitation Outcomes Of Young Adults Who Have Had A Stroke, Maggie Lawrence, Sue Kinn

Dr. Maggie Lawrence

Background: Guidelines state that young adults’ rehabilitation needs and priorities following stroke are different from older adults’. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding young adults’ perspectives of their needs and priorities.

Aims: To gain an understanding of young adults’ experience of stroke and associated rehabilitation needs, priorities and desired outcomes.

Methods: Longitudinal data were gathered using unstructured interviews and analysed using phenomenological reduction.

Results: Ten young adults took part in up to four interviews over two years. An overarching theme, Embodied Disorientation, and three sub-themes: Mortal Body, Situated Body, and Embodied Perception of Difference, described the young adults’ …

Secondary Prevention Of Stroke And Transient Ischaemic Attack, Maggie Lawrence, Hazel Fraser, Charlotte Woods, Jon Mccall

Dr. Maggie Lawrence

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) and stroke are clinical syndromes characterised by acute neurological deficits with vascular causes. People experiencing TIA or first stroke are at significant risk of subsequent stroke. Risk factors, which are associated with 90% of risk of all stroke, have been identified, and include factors associated with lifestyle i.e. tobacco use, diet, obesity, alcohol consumption, physical activity and stress. Targeted therapeutic interventions have the potential to substantially reduce the burden of stroke. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current evidence base relating to these lifestyle risk factors. Health promotion theories and …

The Lisbeth Hockey Community Nursing Research Training Fellowship 2008. Final Report, Maggie Lawrence, Susan Kerr, Caroline Mcvey, Dorothy Ferguson

Dr. Maggie Lawrence

Background Stroke is the most common cause of adult disability in the UK; the incidence is particularly high in Scotland, with more than 12,000 new cases per year. Stroke recurs in approximately 25% of patients and may result in death or an increased risk of disability or institutionalisation. Stroke is associated with a disadvantaged socio-economic profile and lifestyle behaviours which include smoking, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise. Crucially, these factors are amenable to change by means of pharmacotherapy and/or the delivery of lifestyle interventions. While the provision of lifestyle interventions has the potential to improve health …

Do People With Aphasia Want Written Information? A Verbal Survey Exploring Preferences For When And How To Provide Stroke And Aphasia Information, Tanya Rose, Linda Worrall, Louise Hickson, Tammy Hoffmann

Tammy Hoffmann

Purpose: Written health information can be better comprehended by people with aphasia if it is provided in an aphasiafriendly format. However, before pursuing research in the area of text-formatting for people with aphasia, it must be determined whether people with aphasia consider it helpful to receive health information in the written media. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the following: whether people with aphasia consider it important to receive written stroke and aphasia information; when people with aphasia prefer to receive this information; and what their preferences are for health information media.

Method: Surveys were administered in a face-to-face interview …

What Education Do Stroke Patients Receive In Australian Hospitals?, Tammy Hoffmann, Tammy Cochrane

Tammy Hoffmann

Objective: This study evaluated the educational practices of staff working in acute stroke wards in Australian hospitals, including the coordination and methods of patient education provision, postdischarge education and support services available, and the education and support services that health professionals would like to provide.

Methods: Health professionals who worked in acute stroke wards in Australian hospitals were surveyed about the stroke education practices of staff in their ward. Thirty-four hospitals returned a completed questionnaire via email or fax.

Results: Verbal communication and written materials were the most frequently used methods of information provision. Twenty-three (67.6%) wards developed their own …

Stroke Research Questions: A Nursing Perspective., Anne Rowat, Maggie Lawrence, Dorothy Horsburgh, Lynne Legg, Lorraine Smith

Dr. Maggie Lawrence

No abstract provided.

Impact And Influences On Caregiver Outcomes At One Year Post-Stroke, Lorraine N. Smith, John Norrie, Susan M. Kerr, Maggie Lawrence, Peter Langhorne, Kennedy R. Lees

Dr. Maggie Lawrence

Four outcome measures of carer stress and coping at one year post-stroke were identified: carer general health, anxiety, depression and perception of stress. Each outcome was assessed using valid and reliable instruments. In addition, we collected demographic data from both carers and patients which could reasonably be expected to influence carer stress and coping (e.g. age, deprivation levels) as well as information specific to the caring role. Results: Carers were found to be more anxious than previously reported. Neither satisfaction with caring nor the adoption of helpful coping strategies were associated with positive carer outcomes but, nevertheless, carers were not …

Informal Carers’ Experience Of Caring For Stroke Survivors, Lorraine M. Smith, Maggie Lawrence, Susan M. Kerr, Peter Langhorne, Kennedy R. Lees

Dr. Maggie Lawrence

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in industrialized countries and a major cause of adult disability. However, the burden of caring for stroke survivors usually rests with family members who have neither chosen nor volunteered for the role of ‘carer’. This paper reports on a study which aimed to describe the experience of caring for a stroke survivor at one year after stroke in Scotland.