Type: Occupational Therapy
Location: British Columbia, Canada
HappyNeuron Pro user since: 2020
Needed a way to address cognitive functioning for patients experiencing psychosis.
Jen Sheeley and Laurie Kitamura
Occupational Therapists
Interior Health is five regional prominent health authorities. Their mission is to work together to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities, inspired by innovation and partnership.
Occupational therapists Jen Sheeley and Laurie Kitamura sought to enhance their mental health treatment abilities by integrating Action Based Cognitive Remediation (ABCR) into their practice. After receiving training from Dr. Chris Bowie, they got a HappyNeuron Pro membership; the rest is history! This case study explores their initiative to address cognitive impairment among individuals with psychotic disorders through innovative interventions.
In the context of mental health services, Jen Sheeley and Laurie Kitamura recognized a pressing need to enhance cognitive functioning among individuals experiencing psychotic episodes. Leveraging their expertise in occupational therapy, they aimed to facilitate a return to work or volunteering group. Using a referral-based system, Sheeley and Kitamura started to build their ABCR groups at Interior Health with highly qualified individuals.
Cognitive impairment, pervasive in psychotic disorders, posed significant barriers to functional recovery and quality of life. Conventional treatment approaches often lacked targeted interventions to address cognitive deficits effectively. The challenge lay in finding a solution that aligned with Dr. Chris Bowie’s ABCR methodology while ensuring accessibility for all individuals. This is where HappyNeuron Pro became their top choice due to its scientifically-based exercises, accessibility features, and backing by Dr. Chris Bowie.
Sheeley and Kitamura started to run their cohorts. Each with 6-8 individuals for 12 weeks. The individuals would come in 2-3x a week for a group activity, and they had the ability to practice more after attending that week’s groups. Clients participating in ABCR groups reported tangible improvements, including enhanced cognition, increased self-efficacy, and a greater sense of connection to others. By integrating cognitive-behavioral principles with computerized exercises and real-world simulations, ABCR facilitated meaningful outcomes for participants.
The implementation process involved careful planning and collaboration among key stakeholders. Clinicians played a pivotal role in delivering ABCR sessions, while participants actively engaged in the intervention. Challenges were met with resilience, and lessons learned from previous cohorts informed continuous improvement efforts. Sheeley and Kitamura realized that sometimes some groups need extra motivation while others do not.
“The customer service was above and beyond. They worked with us often to ensure that we understood all the ins and outs of the product.”
ABCR yielded promising results, with functional improvements becoming the norm for participants. Measurable metrics are needed for significant enhancements in cognitive functioning, but intangible metrics show that after completing the course, individuals have a greater independence and social integration. The intervention demonstrated its efficacy in reducing cognitive dysfunction and empowering individuals with psychotic disorders to reclaim control over their lives.
Valuable insights were gained through the journey of implementing ABCR. Successes underscored the importance of evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs, while challenges highlighted the importance of flexibility and adaptability in service delivery. The collaborative effort among stakeholders proved instrumental in achieving positive outcomes.
In conclusion, the integration of ABCR into mental health services represents a significant advancement in addressing cognitive impairment among individuals with psychotic disorders. Interior Health’s commitment to innovation and excellence has resulted in tangible improvements in patient outcomes and quality of life.
Adopting evidence-based interventions such as ABCR is recommended for organizations facing similar challenges. Investing in staff training and development is crucial to ensure the successful implementation of innovative practices. Further research into the long-term effects of ABCR and potential applications in other populations is warranted.
Utilizing HappyNeuron Pro as part of the ABCR program to address cognitive deficits due to mental illness.
Utilizing HappyNeuron Pro for ABCR, patients experienced notable improvements in independence and social functioning.
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