Facilitating the delivery of cognitive remediation in first-episode psychosis: pilot study of a home-delivered web-based intervention

Bernardo Melo Moura*, Alessia Avila, Inês Chendo, Patrícia Frade, Rita Barandas, João Vian, Marta Croca, Alice Roberto, Carolina Almeida, Filipa Antunes, Ludgero Linhares, Joana Crawford, Carla Ferreira, Jennifer Santos, Manuela Abreu, Pedro Levy, Maria Luísa Figueira, Tiago Mendes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We explored the adherence to a home-delivered, computer-based, cognitive remediation protocol in a first-episode psychosis outpatient cohort. Seventeen patients underwent a cognitive training protocol for 6 months using an online platform accessible from their home under the supervision of a qualified neuropsychologist. Neuropsychological, psychopathological, and functional data were collected at baseline and postintervention, whereas qualitative appraisal of the intervention was assessed monthly. Overall, participants' evaluation of the program was positive. This was reflected in a good adherence rate with 12 (70%) of 17 patients completing 80% of the prescribed sessions. Exploratory analysis revealed significant improvements in sustained attention (p = 0.020) and verbal memory (p = 0.018). A decrease in negative symptoms and an improvement on the Clinical Global Impression were also found (p = 0.009). We believe these are encouraging results to further explore the adopted delivery approach, which could facilitate access to cognitive training earlier and to a larger group of patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)951-957
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Nervous and Mental Disease
Volume207
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adherence
  • Cognitive remediation
  • First-episode psychosis
  • Home delivered
  • Web based

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