Moving to virtual assessment of executive function in occupational therapy
Occupational Therapy Coordinator and researcher Toni Heinemann is currently undertaking a research project that will explore the Oxford Digital Multiple Errands Test (OxMET), and its reliability for executive function screening in an Australian hospital setting.
Executive function is a cognitive skill that is the brain’s management system, helping us to organise, make decisions, solve problems and get things done.
Toni said that efficiently understanding a patient’s executive function ability after illness or injury is critical to support discharge planning from hospital, especially for those living alone.
“Accurate screening of executive function by occupational therapists is important, so we can ensure people receive the right support and rehabilitation to address their needs,” she said.
“The OxMET uses a virtual scenario of shopping to assess executive function, which is a cognitive skill required for people to independently and safely manage their activities of daily living and return to activities such as work and driving."
Patient Carlos (pictured) was part of the project while he was undergoing rehabilitation following a stroke at Osborne Park Hospital.
Carlos said he enjoyed the challenge of the task and found that it was a good way to keep his brain functioning.
The research project received funding from the Charlies Foundation for Research Bright Ideas grant, helping to lead to Toni to receive Future Health and Innovation Research and Charlies Foundation Clinician Researcher Training Grant to undertake a PhD on codesigning a digital peer support platform in stroke rehabilitation.
Toni said having worked as a clinician across SCGH and OPH for more than 15 years, it has helped develop confidence through smaller projects and building research skills and provided her the foundation for exploring new possibilities.
“As both a clinician and an early career researcher, this journey has enabled me to continually seek innovative ways to improve outcomes for patients," she said.
“I am passionate about improving the early assessment of cognition and exploring how digital health technologies can drive innovation in allied health practice."