Authors: (including presenting author): :
Lam KF, Ho YC, Wong SM
Affiliation: :
Department of Occupational Therapy, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Keyword 2: :
cognitive rehabilitation
Introduction: :
Cognitive rehabilitation was valuable to assist people with dementia in overcoming everyday barriers imposed by cognitive difficulties (Kudlicka A, et al 2023). Our aging population implied eminent need to review our service. Apart from cognitive assessment, cognitive rehabilitation program in group with TELE-health component was advocated as transitory towards continuation of care with community partners.
Objectives: :
To evaluate the effectiveness of Protocol-driven TELE-Health Cognitive Rehabilitation Program for clients with MCI.
Methodology: :
The program consisted of face-to-face sessions for conventional group and additional TELE sessions for TELE-group. Outpatients with MCI screened by HK-MoCA were recruited and allocated into the two groups according to the accessibility of technical support for Tele-health in HAGO. Program contents covered cognitive stimulation and adaptive coping strategies implemented through experiential learning, sharing and discussion, role play, aids and gadgets trial and home program. Outcome measures included patient-caregiver satisfaction survey, pre- and post-HK-MoCA and digit span test.
Result & Outcome: :
35 outpatients (mean age= 75) were recruited during September 2023 till Aug 2025. Male-to-female ratio was 1:5. Mean score of HK-MoCA and backward digit span test were 21.00 and 5.91 at entry. The baseline scores of tests of both groups showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Results indicated an overall increase in mean score of two cognitive tests by 8.44% (p< 0.05) and 28.09% (p< 0.05) (n=35). Subgroup analysis reviewed that TELE-group (n=25) performed significantly better (p< 0.05), which increased by 11.57% (p< 0.05) and 34.48% (p< 0.05) respectively. Results of satisfaction survey reflected the program had addressed their needs and delivered effectively through a two-way communication system. On top of saving their traveling time, hybrid mode could enhance compliance of home programs and integration of learnt techniques within real-life situations. After completing the program, 16 outpatients (45.7%) continued to receive cognitive training in the community. Positive feedback from the survey and trends in standardized cognitive tests have informed our current startup project, particularly regarding the combination of on-site and hybrid program design. Positive feedback was received from both patients and caregivers. This model allows therapists to reach service users in a more timely, flexible, and cost-effective way. The program also facilitates patient access to ongoing care through community partners. It has been suggested that running the program routinely would allow more patients to benefit.
