Piloting Memory Specificity Training in Flemish Routine Clinical Practices using a Web-Based Self-Directed Training Protocol for Practitioners: Exploring Effectiveness, Fidelity and Feasibility.

Abstract

<p>Background: Memory Specificity Training (MeST) is a cognitive training program targeting a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor: a reduced ability to recall specific autobiographical memories, called reduced Autobiographical Memory (rAMS). Due to the simplicity of this intervention and its foundation in basic science, training practitioners how to deliver MeST in Routine Clinical Practices might be a scalable and low-cost strategy. The current study explores if MeST can be disseminated and implemented using a Web-based self-directed training protocol for practitioners. Methods: We explored effectiveness, fidelity and feasibility of the training protocol; i.e., whether the protocol led to remediation of rAMS of 24 users (i.e. patients) in 5 settings using pre- and post- intervention measurements of memory specificity (effectiveness); whether trainers showed fidelity to the protocol by scoring recorded sessions and by checking with users (fidelity); how users experienced the training using a post-intervention measurement of attitudes, and how attitudes of care providers (i.e. psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, nurses), including trainers, evolved throughout the implementation process (feasibility). Results: Implementing MeST using the training protocol led to an increase in memory specificity, trainers were able to deliver MeST with fidelity to the protocol, users appreciated the intervention, and attitudes of care providers were in general positive throughout implementation. Conclusions: The results of this explorative study indicate that MeST can be disseminated using a Web-based self-directed training protocol at low-cost. This result might also be generalizable to similar brief autobiographical training programs.</p>

The current state of memory Specificity Training (MeST) for emotional disorders

“…In contrast to C-MeST investigations that found no further improvement in specificity after the first session, a recent investigation of MeST in routine care settings found a positive correlation between the number of sessions that participants completed and improvements in memory specificity. Interestingly though, the correlation between the number of discrete memory exercises that participants completed across all sessions and memory specificity was not significant [25]. Although more MeST leads to greater change in memory specificity, this association may be attributable to the non-specific components of MeST, or potentially symptom improvement, and not necessarily the cued recall exercises themselves.…”