Feasibility and Acceptability of a Remote, Hands-Free Cognitive Battery for Adults With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Purpose/Objective: To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of testing the cognitive abilities of adults with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) via teleconference. Research Design: Data were collected prospectively at two study sites from 75 adults living with TSCI. Participants completed a series of self-report measures via an online survey platform, in addition to a brief battery of cognitive testing administered via audio-video teleconference. Modifications were made to select measures to allow for hands-free administration of all tasks. Results: Feasibility was demonstrated by a 97.4% completion rate among the 77 participants who began the cognitive testing and approximately normal distributions for nearly all cognitive testing variables examined. No ceiling or floor effects were observed across cognitive testing variables. Review of acceptability ratings indicated that participants found this approach to cognitive testing to be highly acceptable. Conclusion/Implications: Our findings provide evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of administering cognitive testing via teleconference to adults living with TSCI.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of conducting cognitive testing for adults with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) via teleconference. The results showed that 97.4% of the 77 participants who started the cognitive testing completed it, and almost all cognitive testing variables had nearly normal distributions. No ceiling or floor effects were observed. Participants rated this approach to cognitive testing as highly acceptable. In conclusion, administering cognitive testing via teleconference to adults with TSCI is both feasible and acceptable.