A Protocol for Measuring the Direct Psychological Benefit of Neuropsychological Assessment with Feedback in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

This article reports on the design of a two-arm, randomised controlled trial of neuropsychological assessment with feedback as a direct therapeutic intervention to improve psychological wellbeing in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS patients and their caregivers are randomly allocated to one of two groups: neuropsychological assessment with feedback (the intervention), or ‘sham wait-list’ control. The trial investigates: (1) whether the intervention directly benefits patients by leading to improved knowledge of their own specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and improved use of adaptive psychological strategies for coping with MS; and (2) whether the intervention directly benefits caregivers by leading to improved knowledge of the patients’ specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and to a more positive caregiving outcome. A range of primary and secondary measures is used to evaluate these outcomes. The protocol utilises a wait-list control method which is structured to effectively blind patients and caregivers to their group allocation. Publishing the protocol prior to the results of the trial being available has a number of important methodological benefits, and informs the research community of the work that is under way to allow for collaboration and to reduce duplication of research effort. (This trial has been registered on the ANZCTR; ACTRN12612000161820.)

A systematic review of assessment tools for adults used in traumatic brain injury research and their relationship to the ICF

“…In the area of intervention evaluation, Maruish (2004) describes the multi-componential role of assessment in detail, including screening to identify needs, clinical decision making, monitoring of treatment progress, outcome evaluation, as well as assessment used as a therapeutic tool in its own right (e.g., feedback of assessment results). The therapeutic use of assessment is a newly developing area and at present there is limited empirical evidence for its efficacy, although at least one clinical trial is currently in progress (Longley, Tate & Brown, 2012).…”

A Scoping Review of Communicating Neuropsychological Test Results to Patients and Family Members

“…Furthermore, high levels of satisfaction with NPA were reported. Longley et al, 2012 Protocol (1) investigate psychological benefit of NPA with feedback for patients with MS and their main caregivers following the feedback session and 2 months later (2) identify characteristics of patients and caregivers who will most benefit from assessment with feedback P: patients with MS S: MS center M: survey I: NPA + feedback, control group sham waiting list O: knowledge of cognitive profile, coping Protocol for randomized controlled trial (study results to date yet unpublished; recruitment status: stopped early). Lopez et al, 2008 Research paper Outline a short intervention (three-session assessment and feedback module that translate NPA findings to daily life and eating symptoms) designed to identify and address information processing bias (poor set-shifting or strong detail focus) in patients with anorexia nervosa D: qualitative (case study) P: 2 patients with anorexia nervosa S: outpatient clinic N/A In-person feedback led to adapted behavior in one patient and stopped rapid weight loss in the other patient.…”