Integrating cognitive rehabilitation: A preliminary program description and theoretical review of an interdisciplinary cognitive rehabilitation program

Issue title: Assistive Technologies for Cognition/Cognitive Support Technologies

Guest editors: Marcia J. Scherer and Stefano Federici

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Fleeman, Jennifer A.^{a; *} | Stavisky, Christopher^a | Carson, Simon^a | Dukelow, Nancy^a | Maier, Sheryl^b | Coles, Heather^b | Wager, John^c | Rice, Jordyn^a | Essaff, David^a | Scherer, Marcia^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA | [b] Department of Speech Pathology/Department of Otolaryngology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA | [c] Palo Alto VA Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Jennifer A. Fleeman, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Box 664, University of Rochester Medical, Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Tel.: +1 727 510 2721; E-mail: DrFleemanCS@gmail.com

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Interdisciplinary cognitive rehabilitation is emerging as the expected standard of care for individuals with mild to moderate degrees of cognitive impairment for a variety of etiologies. There is a growing body of evidence in cognitive rehabilitation literature supporting the involvement of multiple disciplines, with the use of cognitive support technologies (CSTs), in delivering cognitive therapy to individuals who require cognitive rehabilitative therapies. This article provides an overview of the guiding theories related to traditional approaches of cognitive rehabilitation and the positive impact of current theoretical models of an interdisciplinary approach in clinical service delivery of this rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE:A theoretical model of the Integrative Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (ICRP) will be described in detail along with the practical substrates of delivering specific interventions to individuals and caregivers who are living with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. The ultimate goal of this article is to provide a clinically useful resource for direct service providers. It will serve to further clinical knowledge and understanding of the evolution from traditional silo based treatment paradigms to the current implementation of multiple perspectives and disciplines in the pursuit of patient centered care. METHODS:The article will discuss the theories that contributed to the development of the interdisciplinary team and the ICRP model, implemented with individuals with mild to moderate cognitive deficits, regardless of etiology. The development and implementation of specific assessment and intervention strategies in this cognitive rehabilitation program will also be discussed. RESULTS:The assessment and intervention strategies utilized as part of ICRP are applicable to multiple clinical settings in which individuals with cognitive impairment are served. CONCLUSIONS:This article has specific implications for rehabilitation which include: (a) An Interdisciplinary Approach is an effective method for cognitive rehabilitation; and (b) Recent theories offer beneficial evaluation and intervention techniques for cognitive rehabilitation.

Keywords: Cognitive, rehabilitation, interventions, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, remediation, patient-centered, individualized, compensatory, mild cognitive impairment, moderate cognitive impairment, functional deficits, function-based, assistive technology, cognitive support technology, cognitive therapy, therapy, Matching Person and Technology, cognitive supports, Speech Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Neuropsychology, service delivery

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-151275

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 471-486, 2015