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Maximizing the "Functional" in the Functional External Memory Aid Tool for Patient-Centered Treatment Planning in
Alyssa M Lanzi1,2, Julia L Mendez3, Megan Tobin3
1Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Delaware, Newark.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|October 17, 2024
Summary
The Functional External Memory Aid Tool (FEMAT) helps assess how individuals with mild cognitive impairment use memory aids and strategies in daily tasks. Analysis revealed that participants frequently discussed strategies and their memory, offering insights for personalized treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuropsychology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- The Functional External Memory Aid Tool (FEMAT) is an 11-item measure assessing compensation strategies in simulated daily tasks.
- It is designed to inform clinicians about patient function and compensation in a standardized format, not as a diagnostic tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide further evidence for the validity of the FEMAT.
- To conduct a mixed-methods analysis of FEMAT responses to operationalize elicited behaviors during test administration.
Main Methods:
- An embedded single-case study design was used.
- 12 community-dwelling female participants (ages 73-90) with mild cognitive impairment were analyzed.
- Video-recorded and transcribed FEMAT administrations were analyzed qualitatively (thematic analysis) and quantitatively.
Main Results:
- Four themes emerged: use of external memory aids (EMA), described strategies, discussion of memory/comprehension, and discussion of functional information.
- Most participants described using strategies (85%) and discussed self-perceived memory/comprehension (33%).
- Subthemes included self-perceived memory strengths and barriers.
Conclusions:
- The FEMAT elicits valuable behavioral and verbal content beyond item scores, useful for person-centered treatment planning.
- This study supports the FEMAT's validity for informing personalized treatment approaches.
- Further research aims to establish comprehensive evidence for FEMAT's validity.
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