Objective: We pilot-tested the VISually Independent test battery Of NeuroCOGnition (VISION-Cog) to determine its feasibility, comprehensibility, and acceptability in evaluating cognitive impairment (CI) in visually impaired older Asian adults.
Method: The VISION-Cog was iteratively fine-tuned through pilot studies and expert-panel discussion. In the first pilot study (Stage 1), we recruited 15 visually impaired and cognitively normal participants aged ≥ 60 years to examine the pilot VISION-Cog’s feasibility (length of time to administer), comprehensibility (clarity of instructions), and acceptability (participant burden). We then presented the pilot results to the expert panel (Stage 2) who decided via agreement on a revised version of the VISION-Cog. Subsequently, we conducted a second pilot study (Stage 3) to ascertain improvement in feasibility, comprehensibility, and acceptability of the revised version.
Result: The VISION-Cog was deemed feasible, taking approximately 60 minutes to complete. All participants agreed that the test instructions were clear and the battery did not cause undue discomfort or frustration. The data collector rated all tests as very user-friendly. Minor modifications to the pilot VISION-Cog were suggested by the panel to improve its safety, clarity of instructions, and cultural relevance. These suggestions were incorporated and iteratively tested in the second pilot study until no further issues emerged.
Conclusion: Using an iterative mixed-methods process, we have developed a feasible, comprehensible, and acceptable 5-domain and 9-item visually independent VISION-Cog test battery suitable to assist CI diagnosis in older adults with visual impairment. We will assess its diagnostic potential against clinician-based assessment of CI in subsequent phases.

Authors:
Tai Anh Vu, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
Eva Fenwick, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
Kinjal Doshi, National University Hospital, Singapore
Preeti Gupta, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore
Ecosse Lamoureux, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Tai Anh Vu is an MD-PhD candidate at Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore. His work encompasses clinical and health services research spanning the spectrum of sensory impairment (vision, audition, and olfaction), cognitive impairment, and ageing.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tai-Anh-Vu

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

Bookmark