A smarter way to understand cognition

After a stroke or serious illness, some challenges aren't immediately visible. A person may be physically recovering well but still struggle with planning, problem-solving, decision-making or managing everyday activities.

These skills are known as executive function, which is a cognition skill in the brain's management system, and is essential for people to independently and safely manage their day to day activities.

Charlies Foundation for Research supported Occupational Therapist and clinical researcher, Toni Heinerman with her Bright Ideas Project Moving to virtual assessment of executive function in occupational therapy, to investigate a new digital assessment called the Oxford Digital Multiple Errands Test (OxMET).

The OxMET uses a virtual shopping scenario to assess executive function. The aim is to determine whether it can provide occupational therapists with an accurate and efficient way to identify cognitive difficulties in patients.

Early feedback has been very positive. Patients have found the assessment engaging, while clinical staff have expressed interest in using it.

One participant, Carlos, completed the assessment while recovering from a stroke at Osborne Park Hospital. He enjoyed the challenge and felt it was a good way to keep his brain working.

If proven effective, the tool could eventually be used across Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Hospitals, potentially reducing assessment time and giving occupational therapists more opportunity to work directly with patients.

“As both a clinician and an early career researcher, this journey has enabled me to continually seek innovative ways to improve outcomes for patients. I am passionate about improving the early assessment of cognition and exploring how digital health technologies can drive innovation in allied health practice."

Thank you for helping clinicians turn ideas into innovation and research into better outcomes for patients.