Using game authoring platforms to develop screen-based simulated functional assessments in persons with executive...

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Digital Health
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Assessing functional status is crucial for patients with cognitive brain disorders, but current neuropsychological tests lack ecological validity and ease of clinical application.
• This gap hinders the widespread adoption of functional assessments in daily practice.
• A novel approach is needed to bridge this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a novel approach for screen-based simulated functional assessments using a serious game authoring platform.
• To assess the feasibility (staffing, economic, technical) of this technology.
• To investigate the clinical utility and user acceptability of the serious game as a pre-screening tool for patients with executive dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review on executive function assessment in activities of daily living.
• Development of a simulated functional task: preparing a cup of tea (SBS-COT) using the eAdventure platform.
• Feasibility assessment and pre-screening administration to a sample of patients with mild executive dysfunction post-traumatic brain injury.
• Quantitative (Technology Acceptance Model questionnaires) and qualitative (semistructured interviews) user evaluations.

Main Results:

• The staffing, economic, and technical requirements for the SBS-COT were found to be feasible.
• The pre-screening test results indicated the technology's utility in the functional assessment of patients with executive dysfunction.
• User feedback via TAM questionnaires and interviews demonstrated good professional acceptability and positive experiences from both patients and therapists.

Conclusions:

• Serious game authoring platforms offer a feasible and acceptable solution for creating ecologically valid and easily administered functional assessments.
• This technology has the potential to significantly enhance neuropsychological research by promoting reproducibility, cooperation, and efficiency.
• The facilitated production, reuse, and sharing of assessment tools can advance the field of cognitive brain disorder evaluation and management.