Preliminary efficacy of an attention and memory intervention post-childhood brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
Impairments in attention and memory are common consequences following paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). Despite this, there is a scarcity of evidence-based interventions for these difficulties. The current study aimed to pilot the feasibility and efficacy of the English version of the Amsterdam Memory and Attention Test for Children (Amat-c) and to identify ecologically valid measures sensitive to post-evaluation improvements. It was expected that children with attention and memory difficulties post-TBI would show improved performance post-intervention on traditional cognitive measures and on measures of everyday performance.


METHODS
Three children (case study design) with an acquired brain injury (near drowning, birth delivery complications, fall from a horse) and currently between the ages of 8-13 were identified through audits of presentations to a metropolitan paediatric hospital. Each child underwent screening, pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments (immediate and 6 months).


RESULTS
Results indicated improved performance in the areas of attention and memory from pre- to post-intervention, with gains maintained at 6 months post-intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings demonstrate initial support for efficacy of the Amat-c and its use with survivors of child ABI to alleviate common cognitive and functional consequences. A larger study is needed to further confirm these findings.
Murdoch Children's Research Institute .
Cathy
C
Catroppa
Kate
K
Stone
Stefanie
S
Rosema
Cheryl
C
Soo
Vicki
V
Anderson
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001288:Attention; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D056344:Executive Function; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D009042:Motivation; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010290:Parents; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors