Computer Interactive Cognitive Rehabilitation System

With increasing survival rates from severe brain injury, the number of patients needing long termcognitive rehabilitation services has increased dramatically over the past decade. Because of these costscan easily exceed $1 million over the lifetime, procedures that maximize cost effectiveness are essential.In Phase I, the feasibility of a new type of modular, adaptive cognitive rehabilitation technology wouldbe evaluated. It will utilize a previously developed hardware-software platform for comprehensive,computerized neuropsychological assessments featuring two separate graphics monitors that allow atraining administrator to closely monitor, guide and interact with the patient in real time via a unique,dual-interactive operating system that permits 2-way (patient computer) and 3-way (patient computer tester) interactions. All patient responses are entered via light pen directly on the screenand all patient instructions and content items can be presented in the auditory mode through headphonesor external speakers. This design has proven to be highly cost-effective and especially useful in mid-to low-level functioning patients who need ongoing human assistance. In Phase I, a new attentioninstructional module (AIM) will be designed and implemented. Its efficacy and cost effectiveness in boththe human-assisted and independent modes will be evaluated in lower and higher-level functioningpatients.