Evaluation of neuropsychological assessment & intervention in MND care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of the impact of the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS) and neuropsychological intervention in Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
IRAS ID
226520
Contact name
Sharon Abrahams
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Cognitive and behavioural changes occur in approximately 50% of patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) which can manifest as difficulties with planning, decision making, generating words and ideas, and social cognition. These difficulties can have an impact on caregiver burden, adherence to life-prolonging interventions and care planning.
The Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS) has been specifically designed to identify cognitive and behavioural issues that can occur in MND. The ECAS consists of a brief cognitive and behavioural assessment for use by both neuropsychology and non-neuropsychology health professionals. The ECAS has been validated, translated into 15 languages and is used by many health professionals worldwide to inform the management of their patients’ care.
Throughout 2017, Professor Sharon Abrahams (Clinical Neuropsychologist)will be training over 250 health professionals in the UK to use the ECAS. As the use of the ECAS is expected to increase, it is essential that an evaluation of the impact of this tool be undertaken.
This study will investigate:
• The pathways to, and types of, neuropsychological assessment and intervention being implemented in Motor Neurone Disease care;
• The impact of the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen, and neuropsychological interventions, on the care pathway and the lives of patients and carers.This study will compare and contrast findings across a range of different care settings. In each setting, interviews will be conducted with healthcare professionals involved in screening patients with the ECAS, those involved in neuropsychological intervention, and those responsible for managing patient care (1-4 health professionals per setting). Patients who have been screened with the ECAS will be invited to participate in an interview (1-2 patients per setting) and invited to nominate an informant (carer or family member) to participate as well. This study is funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
17/SS/0114
Date of REC Opinion
6 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion