The Cognitive-Communication Checklist for Acquired Brain Injury: A Means of Identifying, Recording, and Tracking Communication Impairments

Abstract

Purpose The communication service needs of individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABIs) are frequently overlooked, leading to delays, denials, or premature discharge from communication interventions. This is particularly true for those with subtle cognitive-communication deficits, which may not be apparent until sufficiently challenged at work, in school, or in the community. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a referral tool that could promote understanding of the broad range of communication impairments that occur following ABI and lead to improved identification and referral. Method This study evaluated the Cognitive-Communication Checklist for Acquired Brain Injury (CCCABI) through a survey. The CCCABI is a referral tool that summarizes 45 communication difficulties in 10 areas of cognitive-communication functioning. One hundred sixteen speech-language pathologists, 34 multidisciplinary referral sources, and 41 individuals with lived experience of brain injury were surveyed to evaluate the utility of this referral tool. Results The need for such a referral tool was endorsed by 96% of speech-language pathology respondents, 91% of multidisciplinary respondents, and 100% of respondents with lived experience of brain injury. Responses supported the CCCABI as a clear, comprehensive, and accessible tool for education and identification of the communication impairments that can occur after ABI. Conclusion The CCCABI is a means of increasing understanding of communication service needs following ABI in a manner that is accessible to individuals, families, program designers, funding sources, administrators, and multidisciplinary referral sources.

The pervasive and unyielding impacts of cognitive‐communication changes following traumatic brain injury

“…This was to capture the lived experiences and perspectives of as many adults with TBI as possible, including those who did not have a significant other in their lives. The Cognitive Communication Checklist for Acquired Brain Injury (CCCABI) was used to screen the participants’ cognitive‐communication skills (see Table 1 for raw scores; MacDonald, 2015). Each of the participants reported ongoing communication difficulties ranging from 5 to 42 areas that affected their daily activity and participation levels as revealed by the CCCABI scores (MacDonald, 2015).…”

“…The Cognitive Communication Checklist for Acquired Brain Injury (CCCABI) was used to screen the participants’ cognitive‐communication skills (see Table 1 for raw scores; MacDonald, 2015). Each of the participants reported ongoing communication difficulties ranging from 5 to 42 areas that affected their daily activity and participation levels as revealed by the CCCABI scores (MacDonald, 2015). Eligibility criteria for the significant other group included being an adult (≥18 years) and the significant other of a person with a confirmed CCD diagnosis following TBI who had received community‐based rehabilitation services.…”

A retrospective study of patients presenting with speech and language therapy needs within multidisciplinary Long COVID services: A service evaluation describing and comparing two cohorts across two NHS Trusts

“…This contrasts with the Bolton service where only 14.1% of patients (11/78) were noted as having cognitive communication difficulties. In both services, it was noted in clinical records that informal assessments using sections of assessments such as the Mount Wilga High Level Language Test (Simpson, 2006), Cognitive Communication Checklist for Acquired Brain Injury (MacDonald, 2015) and La Trobe Communication Assessment (Douglas et al, 2000) were used to identify impairment. There were no instances of a primary language impairment in these individuals and therefore the need and resultant intervention was based on the reported difficulties described by the patient.…”

Stakeholder views on cognitive communication assessment and intervention for a person living independently in the community with severe traumatic brain injury

“…However, there are barriers to accessing SLT expertise, indicating that there is a gap between best evidence and clinical practice. MacDonald (2021) provides a comprehensive account of reported barriers. Broadly, these include gaps in awareness, understanding and recognition of cognitive communication impairment following TBI and a consequent under‐appreciation of the adverse impact of the disorder on routine communication encounters in everyday life.…”

“…There are also gaps in professional awareness of the SLT scope of practice (MacDonald, 2021). Referrals may be routinely made for SLT assessment of dysarthria, voice, aphasia or swallowing disorders, but less frequently for cognitive communication disorders (MacDonald, 2017).…”