Implementation and Outcomes of a Collaborative Multi-Center Network Aimed at Web-Based Cognitive Training - COGWEB Network

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Cruz, VT (Author) Other; Pais, J (Author) Other; Ruano, L (Author) Other; Mateus, C (Author) Other; Colunas, M (Author) Other; Alves, I (Author) Other; Barreto, R (Author) Other; Conde, E (Author) Other; Sousa, A (Author) Other; Araujo, I (Author) Other; Bento, V (Author) Other; Coutinho, P (Author) Other; Rocha, N (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Medical Internet Research

Vol. 16

Final page: e2

ISSN: 1438-8871

Publisher: JMIR Publications

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 8 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-1SV

DOI: 10.2196/mental.3840

Abstract (EN): Background: Cognitive care for the most prevalent neurologic and psychiatric conditions will only improve through the implementation of new sustainable approaches. Innovative cognitive training methodologies and collaborative professional networks are necessary evolutions in the mental health sector. Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the implementation process and early outcomes of a nationwide multi-organizational network supported on a Web-based cognitive training system (COGWEB). Methods: The setting for network implementation was the Portuguese mental health system and the hospital-, academic-, community-based institutions and professionals providing cognitive training. The network started in August 2012, with 16 centers, and was monitored until September 2013 (inclusions were open). After onsite training, all were allowed to use COGWEB in their clinical or research activities. For supervision and maintenance were implemented newsletters, questionnaires, visits and webinars. The following outcomes were prospectively measured: (1) number, (2) type, (3) time to start, and (4) activity state of centers; age, gender, level of education, and medical diagnosis of patients enrolled. Results: The network included 68 professionals from 41 centers, (33/41) 80% clinical, (8/41) 19% nonclinical. A total of 298 patients received cognitive training; 45.3% (n= 135) female, mean age 54.4 years (SD 18.7), mean educational level 9.8 years (SD 4.8). The number enrolled each month increased significantly (r=0.6; P=.031). At 12 months, 205 remained on treatment. The major causes of cognitive impairment were: (1) neurodegenerative (115/298, 38.6%), (2) structural brain lesions (63/298, 21.1%), (3) autoimmune (40/298, 13.4%), (4) schizophrenia (30/298, 10.1%), and (5) others (50/298, 16.8%). The comparison of the patient profiles, promoter versus all other clinical centers, showed significant increases in the diversity of causes and spectrums of ages and education. Conclusions: Over its first year, there was a major increase in the number of new centers and professionals, as well as of the clinical diversity of patients treated. The consolidation of such a national collaborative network represents an innovative step in mental health care evolution. Furthermore, it may contribute to translational processes in the field of cognitive training and reduce disease burden.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 13