title: A comparison of the content of memory rehabilitation groups for patients with neurological disabilities.
abstract: The aim of the study was to compare the fidelity of manualised group memory rehabilitation programmes for participants with neurological disabilities. A sample of 11 neurological patients with memory problems, enrolled in a randomised controlled trial comparing compensation, restitution and self-help treatments, were observed during group sessions. Time-sampling was used to record the activity of the participants and the content of the discussion at one minute intervals. There was a significant difference between groups in the amount of time the group leader and participants spent talking (p < .001). Participants in the compensation and restitution groups spent significantly more time in memory rehabilitation discussion than participants in the self-help group (p < .001). There was also a significant difference between the amount of time spent discussing internal and external memory aids in the compensation and restitution groups (p < .001). These results support the fidelity of the interventions provided. This study also highlights the usefulness of time-sampling as a method to record the content and activity in rehabilitation groups.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Work, Health & Organisations, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG8 1BB.
authors.forename: Marie Claire
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: Roshan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: das Nair
authors.forename: Nadina B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Lincoln
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome