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Featured research:
Developing an evidence-based cognitive screening pathway for people with Multiple Sclerosis
Cognitive problems can be difficult to identify until they become severe, and can have a huge impact on someone’s quality of life. Right now there isn’t a clear system for identifying and managing this symptom in the NHS.
We want to develop a cognitive screening pathway for people with MS. This would mean clinicians could routinely screen for cognitive changes, and help them to identify if someone could benefit from a more detailed assessment and/or cognitive rehabilitation.
Our researchers will first review what we already know about cognitive screening, in MS and in other conditions. They will use this knowledge to develop a new cognitive screening pathway in collaboration with people with MS and other stakeholders. They will then begin to test the potential benefits in a small trial.
The trial will help us to understand how we can fully test the benefits and cost effectiveness of this programme, which is vital if we are to make this a routine part of MS clinics.
Completed projects
Helping people with MS improve their attention and memory (CRAMMS)
Rehabilitation of memory following brain injury (ReMemBrIn)
Co-ordinated by Professor Roshan das Nair of the Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, this phase III randomised controlled trial is investigating the effectiveness of memory rehabilitation for civilians and military personnel who are experiencing memory problems after traumatic brain injury. Memory problems affect 40-60% of traumatic brain injury patients, affecting their relationships and ability to return to work. Many do not receive any specific help with memory after they leave hospital, and this trial aims to pave the way for future treatment planning.
Find out more about ReMeBrin.
Delivering cognitive rehabilitation to people with MS
This study is reviewing the published research in this area to date and conducting a national survey of cognition rehabilitation services across the UK. The research team is interviewing people with MS who are taking part in our CRAMMS trial, in order to learn more about people’s perceptions and experiences of cognitive rehabilitation. It will directly contribute to the development of therapies that could help people with cognitive problems.
Implementing cognitive rehabilitation for people with MS: Translating research into clinical practice
This PhD project aims to make sure that the results of our CRAMMS trial (and other future cognitive rehabilitation trials) are communicated to clinicians as effectively as possible. It involves reviewing how trial results are reported and highlighting areas for improvement. We are also comparing CRAMMS on paper to actual CRAMMS therapy sessions, and finding out what MS healthcare professionals need to see in reports in order to be able to replicate therapies in their own clinics.
Staff contact: Professor Avril Drummond.
Occupational therapy intervention for people who receive homecare re-ablement services
A survey of footwear in elderly patients