Disseminability of computerized cognitive training: Performance across coaches

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Pediatric Oncology

Background:

• Computerized cognitive interventions (Cogmed) use coaches for remote monitoring and feedback.
• Standardizing the coaching component is crucial for multicomponent interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine adherence, satisfaction, and efficacy of Cogmed across different coaches.
• To assess the impact of coach variability on intervention outcomes in pediatric cancer survivors.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial comparing Cogmed intervention to a waitlist control group.
• Participants included survivors of pediatric brain tumors and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (N=68).
• Cognitive assessments and satisfaction surveys were administered pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in adherence (sessions completed) were found between coaches.
• Caregiver satisfaction with pragmatic utility and participant satisfaction with logistical ease were equivalent across coaches.
• Cognitive outcomes showed equivalence in specific domains like attention, working memory, processing speed, and academic fluency.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to Cogmed can be maintained irrespective of the coach.
• While some aspects of satisfaction and cognitive function were equivalent, coach-specific factors may still play a role.
• Further research is needed to standardize the coaching element for better disseminability of computerized interventions.